The Federal Government has issued a 30-day ultimatum to contractors handling the Lokoja-Anyigba and Okene-Itobe road projects in Kogi State, directing them to return to their sites immediately or risk losing their contracts.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, gave the directive to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Ltd and TEC Engineering Company Nigeria Ltd during a briefing in Abuja on Thursday. The projects, awarded in 2022, cover the 52.27km Okene–Ajaokuta–Itobe dual carriageway and the Lokoja–Shintaku–Dekina–Anyigba road, which were initially scheduled for completion in 2024.
Expressing disappointment over the slow pace of work, Umahi revealed that despite receiving huge advance payments, the contractors had achieved minimal progress. According to him, CCECC has completed only 1.97% of its work after collecting ₦2.5 billion, while TEC Engineering managed just 1.04% completion despite receiving ₦1 billion.
The minister emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda prioritizes road infrastructure development anchored on quality, speed, and value for money. He warned that the administration would no longer tolerate delays and poor performance from contractors entrusted with critical national projects.
Umahi further directed that both consultancy agreements on the affected projects be mutually terminated to pave the way for more effective supervision and delivery. He added that new funding arrangements and revised contracts would be explored to ensure smooth execution and timely completion of the roads.
The minister assured residents and road users in Kogi State that the Federal Government remains committed to delivering durable infrastructure that would enhance economic activities, ease transportation, and improve connectivity within the state and beyond.
