By|| Goodluck E. Adubazi || Abuja
The Federal Government has moved decisively to address growing public complaints over road projects, issuing tough directives and warning notices to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and its affiliate, China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company (CHOMC).
The action followed a high-level meeting chaired by the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Officials of the Ministry, alongside representatives of CHEC and CHOMC—concessionaires on the Mararraba–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Dual Carriageway—were in attendance.
Addressing the meeting, the Minister said the Ministry had received a formal petition from residents along the Makurdi–9th Mile–Enugu road corridor, citing severe dust pollution from construction activities and the associated health and environmental risks.
In response, Engr. Umahi directed the Permanent Secretary to issue an immediate letter to the contractor, mandating the deployment of effective dust-control measures, including soil stabilisation.
He warned that failure to resolve the issue within seven days would result in the suspension of the project.
On the Mararraba–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Dual Carriageway, the Minister noted that although the project was initiated under a previous administration, the current government had completed and tolled some sections.
However, he expressed concern that portions earlier completed were already failing.
Consequently, he reiterated his standing directive that the first five kilometres of the road be milled, reconstructed in concrete, and properly re-marked, stressing that the contractor has seven days to commence the work.
Engr. Umahi further ordered the rehabilitation of other failed sections along the corridor through milling and overlay. He highlighted specific problem areas, including sections around Nasarawa State University, failed bridge expansion joints, damaged manhole covers, blocked drainage systems, washouts, and poor vegetation control. He also directed that all road furniture be reinstated upon completion of maintenance works.
Emphasising highway safety, the Minister instructed the contractor to strengthen corridor monitoring and ensure the prompt removal of broken-down or stationary vehicles to reduce traffic obstruction and accidents.
Turning to the 7th Axial Road project in Lagos, Engr. Umahi expressed deep dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work. He noted that despite repeated engagements and the payment of substantial mobilisation funds, full mobilisation had not been achieved, with minimal site clearance and limited deployment of equipment.
“If full mobilisation is not achieved within the agreed timeframe, we will recover the funds and take firm contractual action,” the Minister warned.
He made it clear that the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, would no longer tolerate poor execution, delays, or disregard for contractual standards, adding that warning letters, withholding of certificates, and other contractual sanctions would be applied where necessary.
The Minister assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains responsive to public concerns and committed to protecting lives, safeguarding infrastructure, and ensuring value for public funds. He said President Tinubu is determined to enforce accountability and end practices that undermine national development.
Providing context, Engr. Umahi disclosed that the administration inherited 2,064 ongoing projects valued at over ₦13 trillion as of May 29, 2023, excluding projects under the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme. Despite funding constraints, he said road construction and rehabilitation are progressing nationwide.
While acknowledging that the entire federal road network cannot be completed within a single four-year term, the Minister expressed confidence that sustained momentum over the next five years would significantly transform Nigeria’s infrastructure. He urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 to sustain infrastructure development.
Responding on behalf of CHEC and CHOMC, the Acting Executive Director (Operations) of CHOMC, Mr. Stephen Lee, pledged that industry-standard anti-dust measures would be implemented on all construction sites. He also assured the Ministry of adequate mobilisation, full commencement of work on the 7th Axial Road, and rehabilitation of failed sections on the Mararraba–Lafia corridor.
The meeting ended with a firm reminder from the Minister that contractors must meet agreed standards or face decisive consequences, as the Federal Government remains committed to delivering safe, durable, and sustainable road infrastructure across the country.
From (L-R):The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, the Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Umahi, CON, and the Acting Executive Director of Operations at China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company (CHOMC), Mr. Stephen Lee, participated in the meeting to discuss ongoing infrastructural projects and operational collaborations.
