The Federal Government has threatened to terminate the contracts for the Lokoja–Ayingba and Okene–Itobe roads in Kogi State following poor execution by contractors despite the release of substantial funds.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this in Abuja during a meeting with contractors handling the projects. He said the move was part of efforts to create a credible roadmap for funding and completing road projects inherited from previous administrations.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Uchenna Orji, the minister reached a mutual understanding with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Ltd and TEC Engineering Company Nigeria Ltd on the way forward. The two projects, awarded in 2022 and scheduled for completion in 2024, are far behind schedule.
Umahi expressed disappointment that the 52.27km Lokoja–Shintaku–Dekina–Anyigba road, being handled by CCECC, had recorded just 1.97 per cent completion despite an advance payment of N2.5 billion. He directed the Director of Highways (North Central) to issue a formal warning to the company, giving it 30 days to return to site and show progress or risk termination.
Similarly, he faulted TEC Engineering for achieving only 1.04 per cent progress on the Okene–Ajaokuta–Itobe dual carriageway, despite receiving N1 billion. He ordered the contractor to complete three kilometres of asphalt by December 2025, after which the contract would be closed on a mutual basis.
“The administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to a road infrastructure revolution anchored on quality, speed and value for money,” Umahi said.
He further announced the termination of consultancy services on both projects, pending the engagement of new consultants, and directed that disbursed funds be evaluated at old contract rates, while new allocations under the 2025 budget would follow updated rates.
The meeting was attended by top officials of the ministry, including Director of Highways (North Central), I. D. Daikwo, and the Kogi State Commissioner of Works, Muhammed Yusuf, alongside representatives of the contractors and project consultants.
