Minister of Works David Umahi has warned China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) to speed up work on the Aba-Port Harcourt Road project or risk losing their contract. The contractor has accessed only ₦7 billion out of the ₦21 billion allocated to the project last year, raising concerns about its slow progress.
Umahi, who began inspecting federal road projects across the South-East and South-South on January 7, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of visible results. He directed the Federal Controller of Works in Rivers State to issue a formal warning to CCECC, stating that if the current pace persists, the government will terminate the contract.
During the inspection, Umahi commended Arab Contractors for their work on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway (Section III, Umuahia-Aba) but urged them to deploy additional workers and equipment to speed up progress. He reminded the company of the April 2025 deadline to deliver a section of the road. Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), handling another section, was also instructed to intensify efforts or face a possible reassignment of their contract.
The minister’s visit also took him to the Bodo-Bonny Road project, which includes 17 bridges and spans 3,200 meters. Despite the contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, working through the holidays, Umahi expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work. The road, a critical link to Bonny Island, is essential for economic growth in the South-South region.
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Umahi emphasized the urgency of meeting deadlines, aligning with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to boost infrastructure and stimulate economic development. He directed all federal controllers to present at least four completed projects for commissioning between February and May 2025, warning that any underperformance would lead to severe consequences.
“There is no room for delays,” he declared. “Contractors who fail to meet obligations will face termination. Government funds must yield results, and we will enforce stricter measures to ensure compliance.”
Umahi assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to completing ongoing and legacy projects. He urged contractors, government officials, and stakeholders to collaborate effectively to meet project timelines.
The minister’s inspection underscores the government’s resolve to enhance connectivity, drive economic growth, and ensure accountability in infrastructure development nationwide.
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