Minister of Works Warns Contractors to Complete Projects by 2025 or Face Termination
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has issued a strong warning to contractors involved in federal road projects across Edo State, urging them to expedite their work and complete the projects by October 2025. Failure to meet this deadline could result in contract termination, according to Umahi. He emphasized that the only way for a state or nation’s economy to progress is through the development of quality infrastructure, particularly roads.
During an inspection tour of federal roads in Edo Central and Edo South Senatorial Districts, Umahi specifically ordered one of the contractors, CBC, to return to the site on Monday or risk facing the possibility of losing their contract. The visit aimed to assess the current condition of critical road infrastructure and identify urgent interventions to ease the burden on commuters.
The inspection tour took the delegation to several locations, including Ujuelen, the Ekpoma stretch of the Benin–Auchi–Lokoja Expressway, and Egbele in Uromi. At these sites, the Minister expressed deep dissatisfaction with the state of the roads. He was accompanied by the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, who highlighted the President’s commitment to delivering impactful projects that benefit the people.
Umahi stated: “When we came on board about the time of the election of our dear governor, the stakeholders came to see the President and say, look, we need this place (Benin–Auchi road). In September last year, when a truck fell in this location, it took divers to swim to the point to rescue the driver. And it was a sight that nobody should pray to see. And I think the President saw it. So, when they came and mentioned it, the immediate intervention was to use the BUA tax credit to rescue this place.”
He continued to emphasize the importance of completing the project on time, stating that if the first 10 by 220k section is not finished by October, he would halt all operations nationwide until the task is completed. “I think there should be an element of madness to right the wrongs of the past, and you can now go and talk anyhow you want to. So, I am directing CBC to get back to the site while commending them because my conscience is before God.”
Umahi also pointed out that one of the main challenges faced by the Federal Government in building roads is that contractors have limited resources, often handling no more than 25 projects each, inherited from the previous administration. This lack of personnel and equipment leads to delays and excuses such as weather and traffic. However, he pledged to address these issues head-on.
“The President is committed to righting the wrongs of the past,” Umahi said. “When we came on board, I challenge anybody, tell me any state outside what the governors are doing that has 100km of road that you can pass without a challenge? There is none. What BUA is doing is what the President is doing. He is building roads, not constructing roads.”
He added that the NNPC Tax Credit project is a key initiative under the President’s agenda, and no projects should be halted. If any do stop, it will be the government’s responsibility, and they owe the public serious apologies. Umahi directed the Director of Works to ensure that contractors follow the correct procedures for executing road projects.
Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for prioritizing Edo roads, noting that the renewed focus has inspired confidence among the people. He described the APC as a progressive party delivering tangible results and emphasized that the federal road is used by Edo people, and they cannot be abandoned.
Gift Johnbull, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), described the project as a direct product of the “Renewed Hope Agenda.” Communities along the route are already feeling the impact of federal attention.
Mohammad Rabiu, Project Manager at BUA International, assured that the new concrete design being used on the 30km Ekpoma section would ensure longevity. “This Ekpoma section was once a death trap. Today, people are smiling. In a few weeks, we will return to commission this project,” he said.
Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, Director of Federal Highways (Construction and Rehabilitation), commended BUA International for the quality of work delivered on the 30km Ekpoma section. He explained that the previous contractor’s poor performance led to termination before the contract was re-awarded under a tax credit scheme.
Governor Okpebholo and Engr. Umahi also visited parts of the ongoing reconstruction of the Benin–Asaba Expressway, recently handed over to a Concession Company. In a significant development, Umahi formally handed over the completion of one full carriageway from Ewu to Agbor to the Edo State Government. While the Federal Ministry of Works will handle the design, execution will be managed locally by the State Government.
