By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed that no contractor handling the rehabilitation of the Abuja-Lokoja Road should remove existing asphalt without the express approval of the Federal Ministry of Works.
Umahi gave the directive on Tuesday during an inspection of the road project alongside members of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Works.
The minister urged contractors to justify the confidence reposed in them by the Federal Government and align with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development across the country.
He warned that contractors and supervising officials of the ministry must not undermine the administration’s efforts through delays, poor performance, or lack of accountability.
“Don’t put us to shame. President Tinubu is committed to road infrastructure, and we must all do what is necessary to move the country forward,” Umahi said.
“The Tinubu administration expects contractors to deliver quality roads within the agreed timelines.”
Umahi disclosed that President Tinubu had approved the release of funds for the Abuja-Lokoja Road project and urged contractors to immediately mobilise to the site.
“I am giving you 72 hours to effectively deploy on this road and utilise the funds. The President has graciously approved the money, and everyone involved must fulfil their obligations,” he said.
The minister warned that contractors who had received government funds but failed to execute the projects as agreed would no longer be tolerated.
According to him, the Federal Government is prepared to involve law enforcement agencies, including the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to recover public funds and ensure project delivery.
“If you are holding the money of the Federal Government, you have to bring it out and do the job, or we will involve the police and the EFCC,” he stated.
Umahi also vowed to sanction Ministry of Works officials who fail to properly supervise projects under their watch, stressing that negligence and poor performance would attract disciplinary measures.
“I will remove any ministry staff who cannot account for projects under their supervision,” he said.
The minister expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the Abuja-bound carriageway, noting that more than 90 per cent of the lane had been damaged and could become completely impassable within months if urgent intervention was not undertaken.
He, however, commended the progress recorded on some sections of the project and assured contractors that outstanding payments under previous agreements would be settled once the approved funds are released.
