By Newspointer, Lokoja
Minister of Works – 23, 2025
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The Federal Government has warned contractors handling the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano and Abuja–Lokoja highways to complete the projects by June 2026 or face sanctions.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, gave the ultimatum during an inspection of the Abuja–Lokoja road at Obajana Junction, Kogi State, where he decried poor commitment by some contractors despite huge mobilisation funds already released.
He cited a case where a contractor delivered only three kilometres out of a 400-kilometre stretch in two years, while others had executed less than 20 per cent of their contracts. Umahi said such negligence would no longer be tolerated.
“Any contractor that fails to meet our deadlines will face consequences. We will not hesitate to involve the EFCC and ICPC to probe those who collected funds without performance. This administration is determined to deliver results,” he declared.
On the 262-kilometre Abuja–Kaduna–Kano expressway, he directed that all three sections must be completed within 14 months, noting that Section 2 alone, valued at N507 billion, involves reinforced concrete pavement and flexible asphalt.
For the 230-kilometre Abuja–Lokoja highway, Umahi commended the quality of work on Section 3 by Trucrete Solutions Limited but criticised its slow pace, warning that the contract risked revocation if not delivered by April 2026.
He further announced reforms in payment procedures, stressing that contractors would henceforth be paid only after meeting verifiable milestones. Rising costs, including cement now at N9,500 per bag, he noted, could not justify abandonment or delay.
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Umahi, accompanied by Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, assured that the Tinubu administration was committed to building durable roads with a lifespan of up to 100 years to drive economic growth and improve national security.
