The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, met with representatives of thirty-seven contractors handling emergency federal road projects across the country in his Abuja office, issuing a strict three-month deadline for project completion under the threat of contract termination.
These contractors, mainly responsible for emergency road projects in states such as Yobe, Jigawa, Zamfara, Benue, Kogi, Abia, Anambra, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers, were reminded by the minister that mobilization fees are not mandatory for such projects.
According to Umahi, the three-month deadline, mandated by the Standard Conditions of Contract of the Federal Ministry of Works, was crucial as the Renewed Hope emergency road projects were funded through the 2023 Supplementary Budget to urgently address critical federal road failures nationwide. The minister expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress of these contractors since the projects were allocated, emphasizing the need for immediate mobilization to site.
In a statement by his media aide Uchenna Orji, Umahi warned that failing to comply with the mobilization deadline would result in automatic contract termination due to the projects’ strict time limits. He underscored that any contractor exceeding the three-month timeframe without completion must formally request and obtain an extension from the Federal Ministry of Works.
Umahi also emphasized that excuses such as security challenges or lack of mobilization funds would not justify delays that inconvenience road users, threatening blacklisting for contractors hindering government efforts to enhance road infrastructure for economic growth.
Furthermore, the minister clarified the ministry’s policy on mobilization fees, stating that while not obligatory for emergency projects, contractors could receive partial payments based on completion milestones verified by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
He concluded by instructing Federal Controllers of Works to ensure rigorous project supervision, including monitoring contract details and contractor compliance with timelines and conditions.
