By Eshiorameh Sebastian, Abuja
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has vowed to hand over contractors responsible for the Abuja-Lokoja road to Nigeria’s anti-corruption bodies over delays.
The minister issued the warning during an inspection tour from the capital to Obajana Junction in Kogi State on Saturday.
Expressing deep disappointment with the pace of work, Umahi revealed that one contractor had finished a mere three kilometres of a 400-kilometre stretch, two full years after being awarded the job.
He stated that the Federal Government would not hesitate to involve the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to reclaim public funds.
“The three jobs we gave out in 2023 may be facing the EFCC,” the minister declared. “We will summon them to the office and give them timelines in line with the law. If they fail, we will have no choice but to hand over the matter to the EFCC and ICPC to recover public funds.”
While he acknowledged that the quality of work from some firms was commendable, his primary concern was the frustratingly slow speed of progress. His warning also extended to his own staff, as he said that field engineers who fail to raise the alarm over non-performance would also be held accountable.
The Abuja-Lokoja dual carriageway spans approximately 460 kilometres. According to the minister’s assessment, the current administration has already intervened to address over 230 kilometres, but about 200 kilometres remain in a deplorable state.
Detailing the performance of specific companies, Umahi noted that JRB Construction had executed over 15 kilometres of its 22-kilometre section satisfactorily. Guild Construction, handling 53 kilometres for N56 billion, was progressing slowly but delivering quality work. Another firm, Trucrete, is now executing a 47-kilometre reinforced concrete section that was previously taken from a different company.
However, the minister singled out some contractors, particularly a company named Soji, for what he termed poor performance. He stressed that the government’s patience had run out, saying, “Contractors who fail to deliver will not go unpunished.”
Umahi concluded by acknowledging the scale of the challenge inherited by President Tinubu, noting that every region of the country faces serious road issues. “Everything cannot be completed in two or four years,” he admitted, “but we are determined to make progress.” His message was clear: the era of delays without consequence is over.
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