The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to contractors handling the Abuja–Lokoja road project, directing them to fully mobilise to site and utilise funds already released by the Federal Government.
Umahi issued the directive on Tuesday while inspecting the project, warning that the government would not tolerate delays in the execution of critical infrastructure works.
“We cannot be pampering contractors. If you are holding the money of the Federal Government, you have to bring it out and do the job or we start going to the Police and the EFCC,” he said.
He added that contractors must immediately deploy to site and commence work, stressing that additional funds had already been approved and signed off by the President.
“I am giving you 72 hours to effectively deploy on this road and utilise the money, while I am chasing the release of the other money. The President has graciously signed it,” he said.
According to the minister, the Abuja-bound section of the road has deteriorated significantly, with more than 90 per cent of the stretch reportedly damaged. He warned that the situation could worsen further if urgent intervention is not carried out within months.
“While the President is doing his best and feeling the pressure, all stakeholders must also play their part,” he added.
Umahi also criticised some supervising engineers for failing to properly monitor contractors, accusing them of neglecting site inspections while remaining in their offices.
He vowed to enforce accountability within the ministry, warning that officials who fail in their supervisory duties would be removed from project oversight roles.
“I am going to remove ministry staffers who are not doing well. You are supervising projects, yet you cannot answer any question on any of the projects,” he said.
The minister expressed frustration over what he described as poor oversight and lack of responsibility among some ministry personnel, noting that public criticism is often directed at the Ministry of Works and the President despite lapses in supervision.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, stressed the importance of collaboration between contractors, government officials, and funding agencies to ensure timely delivery of road infrastructure projects.
He said observations from the Abuja–Lokoja road sites suggested a gap between official reports and the actual situation on ground.
“What we have seen here suggests that reports reaching the minister do not fully reflect realities on the ground,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, urged relevant agencies to ensure timely payments to contractors where approvals have been granted, warning against delays that could hinder project delivery.
“Nigerians want to see results and are no longer interested in excuses,” he said.
The Abuja–Lokoja road remains one of the major federal highway corridors connecting the Federal Capital Territory to the North Central region, and has faced repeated concerns over its deteriorating condition.
