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Umahi Cracks Down on Non-Performing Contractors, Says Tinubu Should Not Be Blamed for Project Delays

Published

4 months ago

June 10, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has issued a stern warning to contractors handling Federal Government road projects, insisting that poor performance and avoidable delays must not be allowed to undermine the infrastructure agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Umahi delivered the warning during an inspection tour of ongoing road and bridge projects across Kogi and Edo States, where he expressed concern over the slow pace of work on sections of the Abuja-Lokoja Dual Carriageway and the Obajana Junction-Benin Road dualisation project.

The Minister said reports submitted to the Ministry did not reflect the realities observed on the project sites, describing the situation as unacceptable.

“I am very disappointed with what I have seen on the ground. The level of work does not correspond with what was reported to us,” he said.
He revealed that due to funding limitations, the scope of one section of the Abuja-Lokoja road project had been reduced from 49.28 kilometres to 28 kilometres to ensure available resources are concentrated on the most critical areas.

Umahi reiterated the Ministry’s policy that no section of a federal highway under construction should remain closed to traffic for more than 14 days. Consequently, he handed an ultimatum to one of the affected contractors to complete the designated section within the stipulated timeframe or face contract termination.

The Minister also directed GELD Construction Company to utilise funds already released for the project and demonstrate visible progress within 72 hours.

While expressing dissatisfaction with some contractors, Umahi singled out JRB Construction Company for commendation, praising its quality of work, professionalism, and commitment to timely delivery.

“If everyone performs their responsibilities diligently, there will be no reason to blame Mr. President for project delays,” he stated.

According to the Minister, the Tinubu administration inherited a severely deteriorated federal road network but has continued to invest heavily in infrastructure renewal despite economic and funding challenges.

He stressed that accountability must be strengthened at all levels of project implementation, directing Federal Controllers of Works, Engineers’ Representatives, and project supervisors to intensify monitoring and ensure strict compliance with procurement and project execution standards.

During the inspection tour, Umahi visited Section III of the Abuja-Lokoja Dual Carriageway, where reconstruction works and the completion of an additional carriageway are ongoing. He also assessed projects being executed by Trucrete Solutions Limited along the Koton Karfe-Abuja corridor.

The Minister further inspected critical bridge projects along the route and reviewed progress on the dualisation of the Lokoja-Benin Road, including the Obajana Junction-Okene section and the Okene-Auchi corridor spanning Kogi and Edo States.

At the flyover and interchange project being handled by CCG Contractors, Umahi noted that the flyover components had reached about 80 per cent completion, while work on the interchange stood at roughly 30 per cent.

Also speaking during the tour, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, applauded Umahi’s leadership and determination to ensure value for public funds.
He stressed that elected officials should not continue to bear responsibility for the shortcomings of contractors, noting that Nigerians expect visible results from ongoing infrastructure investments.

Onyesoh also urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Federal Ministry of Finance to ensure prompt release of funds to support project execution.
Similarly, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, called for greater collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of road projects nationwide.

He assured contractors that the Federal Government remains committed to meeting legitimate payment obligations while commending JRB Construction Company for its significant contribution to infrastructure development.

Responding to concerns raised during the inspection, Managing Director of GELD Construction Company, Fadi Azimi, pledged that the company would intensify efforts and improve the pace of work to meet the Ministry’s expectations.

The Ministry of Works reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing accountability among contractors and ensuring the timely delivery of quality road and bridge projects aimed at improving connectivity, boosting economic activities, and enhancing the lives of Nigerians.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

9 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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