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Umahi Slams Negligence on Mararaba–Keffi Road Project, Issues Feb 28 Completion Deadline

Published

4 months ago

January 9, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has directed China Harbour Engineering Company, the contractor handling a 43-kilometre section of the Mararaba–Keffi Expressway, to complete and hand over the project on or before February 28, 2026.

**Minister of Works Senator David Umahi Speaking during the inspection of 43-kilometre section of the Mararaba–Keffi Expressway On Friday in Nassarawa.**

The directive was issued on Friday during an inspection tour of the ongoing road expansion project. Senator Umahi also ordered the contractor to submit a detailed work timetable and a written commitment to meet the end-of-February deadline.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the pace and quality of work, the Minister instructed the immediate removal of hand-moulded caps along the corridor, commencement of concreting of the median, and the installation of solar-powered streetlights across the entire 43-kilometre stretch.

Senator Umahi blamed the contractor’s failure to comply with earlier directives on negligence by some Ministry of Works officials assigned to the project site.
He warned that 2026 would mark a new era of strict accountability and discipline in project execution.

“I am giving you the end of February to hand over this job. You must come to my office on Wednesday with your timetable and a commitment to complete the project by then,” the Minister said.

“We directed that these hand-moulded caps be removed. I have been here more than eight times. Now the problem is my staff, and today I will set an example of what 2026 will be like for all of us in doing this job.”

He emphasized that ministry officials on site have full authority to enforce directives issued by the Minister or his representatives, stressing that failure by contractors to comply should attract denial of certificates or immediate escalation to higher authorities, including the Permanent Secretary or the Minister.

In a decisive move, Senator Umahi ordered the immediate removal of a Controller of Works, accusing him of issuing fraudulent certificates that led to payments for uncompleted projects.
He directed the Permanent Secretary to redeploy the official with immediate effect and appoint a replacement.

“Today, I am directing the Permanent Secretary to remove the Controller with immediate effect and send him to my office to learn how to obey instructions. Another Controller should be redeployed immediately to take over,” he stated.

The Minister further accused the same official of previously certifying palliative works that were not executed, resulting in undue payments. He warned that indiscipline and negligence would no longer be tolerated.

“Nobody will be spared. Discipline is our watchword. Diligence is our watchword. Doing the work we are paid to do is our watchword,” Senator Umahi said.

“When action is taken, no amount of pleading will reverse it. I report directly to Mr President.”He urged ministry staff and contractors to carry out their responsibilities diligently in the interest of Nigerians, warning that sanctions imposed on erring officers would stand unless reversed by the President.

“I need your prayers. I will have many fights, but I am not afraid of any,” the Minister added.

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FG Commits To National Development With Major Contract Agreements — Umahi

Published

17 hours ago

May 14, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has again signed landmark contract agreements with four (4) construction firms to execute critical road projects across the country, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The contract signing ceremony, held on Thursday at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, marks another major step in the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable, sustainable road infrastructure that enhances connectivity, stimulates economic growth, and improves the quality of life of Nigerians.

The four contractors and their respective projects are as follows:

1. Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited – Reconstruction of Mando (Kaduna) – Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State,

2. Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited – Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road in Oyo and Ogun States,

3. Messrs Truecrete Solutions Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road in Osun State and

4. Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road in Osun and Oyo States.

Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, described the projects as strategic national infrastructure designed to boost economic activities, improve transportation efficiency, and strengthen national integration. He noted that the reconstruction of the Mando (Kaduna) –Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State holds special significance, as it was one of the key infrastructure development commitments made by His Excellency, President Tinubu during the 2022/2023 electioneering campaigns. According to the Minister, the present administration remains resolute in its determination to deliver world-class infrastructure that will stand the test of time. “Our vision is to build roads that will last for generations. Under the Renewed Hope administration, we are determined to deliver infrastructure that can serve Nigerians for up to 100 years through the adoption of rigid pavement (concrete) technology,” Umahi stated.

The Minister commended the selected contractors for their competence, track records, and proven capacity, emphasising the Federal Government’s confidence in indigenous contractors. He particularly praised Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited, Truecrete Solutions Limited, and other indigenous firms for their commendable performances on previous projects across the country.

Umahi charged all contractors to mobilise to their respective project sites immediately and commence work without delay, stressing that the Ministry expects measurable progress within the stipulated timelines.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, who formally signed the contract agreements, described the occasion as the successful completion of the procurement process and the official commencement of project implementation.

He commended the leadership of the Ministry for its commitment to ensuring that projects reached the execution stage and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to effective monitoring, quality assurance, and timely delivery.

Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Mr. Clement Ogbuagu, presented details of the awarded contracts as follows:

1. Reconstruction of Mando–Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna State

Contractor: Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited

Contract Sum: ₦178,116,787,162.00

Length: 122 Kilometres

2. Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road, Oyo and Ogun States

Contractor: JRB Construction Company Limited,

Contract Sum: ₦295,996,609,992.77

Length: 114.5 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent)

3. Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road, Osun State

Contractor: Truecrete Solutions Limited

Contract Sum: ₦101,806,585,825.90

Length: 70 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent) and

4. Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road, Osun State

Contractor: Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited

Contract Sum: ₦114,854,477,607.93

Length: 73 Kilometres

All the projects will be executed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to building durable, cost-effective, and sustainable road infrastructure nationwide.

The ceremony represents another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s road network and accelerate national economic development.

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