Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a stern ultimatum to contractors handling 10 federal road projects in Niger State, threatening to terminate their contracts over delays and substandard performance.
The warning came during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, attended by Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, Minister of State for Works Bello Goronyo, and Senate Committee Chairman on Finance Mohammed Sani, among others.
Contractors Face Consequences for Delays
Umahi expressed frustration at contractors who had received payments but failed to deliver on their obligations. He emphasized that the Renewed Hope administration prioritizes speed, quality, and value for money in infrastructure development.
“The contractors must return to site without delay and ensure quality delivery. Failure to do so will result in contract termination,” Umahi warned.
The affected projects include:
- Agaje-Katcha-Baro Road (52km, GR Building and Construction Nig. Ltd).
- Dualisation of Suleja–Lambata–Minna Road, Phases I & II (Salini Nigeria Ltd).
- Dualisation of Ilorin–Jebba–Mokwa–Bokani Junction Road, Sections I & II (CGC Nigeria Ltd).
- Reconstruction of Bida–Lapai–Lambatta Road (CGC Nigeria Ltd).
- Rehabilitation of Mokwa–Makera–Tegina–Kaduna State Road (CGC Nigeria Ltd).
- Rehabilitation of Minna–Zungeru–Tegina–Kontagora Road (Gilmor Engineering Nig Ltd).
- Construction of Minna–Zungeru–Tegina Road (Develeco Nig Ltd/HMF Construction Ltd).
- Reconstruction of Bida–Cernu–Wushishi–Zungeru Road (Gerawa Global Engineering Ltd).
Niger State Governor Backs Terminations
Governor Mohammed Bago supported the minister’s move, singling out Salini Nigeria Ltd for its failure to deliver since the project’s award in 2010. He called for the revocation of its contract, citing a lack of capacity.
Next Steps
The ministry has established a committee to review the contractors’ accounts and prepare for potential terminations. The Director of Legal Services has been instructed to issue termination notices where necessary. Meanwhile, the Niger State Government will recommend consultants to redesign and supervise affected projects.
Umahi announced a performance review meeting for January 2025 to assess progress on the projects.
This development underscores the government’s resolve to address Nigeria’s chronic infrastructure delays and ensure accountability among contractors.