The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a stern warning to Reynolds Construction Company, the contractor handling Section III of the East-West Road (Eleme Junction – Onne Junction).
He demanded an accelerated pace of work and deployment of more resources to meet the project deadline, cautioning that failure to comply could lead to re-scoping or termination of the contract.
Umahi delivered the warning on Wednesday during his inspection of the project’s progress, reiterating that the contractor has until the end of April 2025 to complete a section of the road.
In a statement released Thursday by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Mohammed Ahmed, it was disclosed that the minister had embarked on an inspection tour of ongoing road projects across the Southeast and South-South zones, starting with Section III of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway (Umuahia – Aba).
“The ministry will not tolerate delays. Any contractor who does not meet his contractual obligations will face the consequences, cumulating into a 14-day notice of termination of the contract,” Umahi emphasized.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the progress of work on Section IV (Aba – Port Harcourt), handled by Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Company, the minister noted that only N7 billion of the N21 billion allocated for the project last year had been utilized.
He instructed the Federal Controller of Works in Rivers State to issue a warning to the contractor and hinted at termination if improvements are not seen promptly.
While commending Messrs Arab Contractors (Nig.) Ltd. for the quality of their work, Umahi urged them to deploy additional resources to ensure the timely completion of their section.
The inspection also extended to the Bodo-Bonny Road, where Umahi voiced his disapproval of the progress made by Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc, urging the company to increase its deployment of manpower, materials, and machinery despite their continued work through the festive season.
The project, which is vital to South-South infrastructure, includes a 2-lane road with hard shoulders, 17 bridges spanning 3,200 meters, and reinforced concrete pavement on Bonny Island.
The statement highlighted Umahi’s emphasis on meeting project deadlines, stressing that contractors must intensify efforts to align with the Federal Government’s infrastructure goals under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The essence is to improve connectivity, as well as stimulate socio-economic growth,” it noted.
The minister further directed Federal Controllers of Works to present at least four completed projects for inauguration between February and May 20, warning that there would be no tolerance for delays.
“The expectation is that every controller delivers on his mandates according to specifications and time allotted. There is no room for further delays,” Umahi stated.
Reflecting on delays in some projects, he assured that the ministry is ready to take decisive action against underperforming contractors.
Despite these setbacks, Umahi reassured Nigerians of President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to completing inherited projects alongside the administration’s four Legacy Projects.
“The President has not abandoned these projects. It is the contractors who have delayed the work. This year, we will be stricter in ensuring that projects are completed on course,” he said.
Umahi pledged that the ministry would maintain close monitoring of ongoing projects to ensure alignment with President Tinubu’s vision for national growth and development.
He called for collaboration among all stakeholders, emphasizing accountability.
“We all need to work together – government, contractors, and the general public – towards ensuring that deadlines are met. No contractor should collect government funds and fail to deliver on their promises. Henceforth, we will be more observant and take necessary actions towards ensuring the successful completion of these projects,” Umahi declared.
The statement also recalled that in 2024, Umahi terminated 10 projects that had been stalled for over 17 years.
