The Federal Government has cancelled at least five major road contracts in Kogi State, citing severe delays, poor performance, and excessive time overruns on key Federal road projects.
Umahi Warns Contractors Over “Mobilisation Without Delivery”
After a project review meeting in Abuja, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, expressed frustration with the slow pace of work on the Abuja–Lokoja corridor and other strategic roads.
He warned that the Ministry would no longer tolerate contractors who collect mobilisation funds but fail to deliver results.
Umahi noted that several projects had recorded less than five per cent progress, even after exceeding 120 per cent of their contract timelines.
Abuja–Lokoja Highway Remains a Major Concern
The Abuja–Lokoja highway, a 179km dual carriageway connecting the FCT to southern Nigeria, has remained under construction for more than 15 years.
During this period, motorists have endured gridlock, damaged road sections, and frequent accidents.
Five Contracts Terminated Over Extremely Low Progress
Following the review, the Ministry terminated many poorly performing contracts:
1. Abuja–Lokoja Road Culverts and Drains (Section 2)
- Contractor: Sadogi Nigeria Ltd
- Progress: 39.04%
- Time used: 112.88%
Umahi ordered an immediate mutual termination, directing the contractor to work only within the advance already paid.
2. Abuja–Lokoja Rehabilitation Section 4A
- Contractor: Venus Construction Nigeria Ltd
- Progress: 33.79%
- Time used: 131.15%
The government also ordered a mutual termination and restricted further work to earlier disbursed funds.
3. Okene–Ajaokuta–Itobe Road Reconstruction
- Contractor: CCECC Nigeria Ltd
- Progress: 2.02%
- Time used: 146.92%
The Minister cancelled the contract and ended the supervising consultancy’s engagement for lack of funding.
4. Lokoja–Shintaku–Dekina–Ayingba Road
- Contractor: TEC Engineering Company Nigeria Ltd
- Progress: 1.04%
- Time used: 188.77%
Umahi terminated the contract and removed the supervising consultancy.
5. Abaji–Koton Karfe Dualisation (Section III)
- Contractor: Geld/Triacta Nigeria Ltd JV
- Progress: 16.71%
- Time used: 125%
The Minister issued a seven-day ultimatum to return to site, fix failed portions, and restore traffic flow.
Projects Allowed to Continue Due to Steady Progress
Despite multiple terminations, Umahi praised JRB Construction Nigeria Ltd for progress on Section 1 of the Abuja–Lokoja Road and instructed completion by December 10, 2025.
He also commended progress on the Koton Karfe–Abaji concrete road (47.86km), executed by Trucrete Solutions Ltd, which currently stands at 40 per cent completion.
Government Plans Emergency Intervention Measures
Umahi directed that all outstanding works—including those from terminated contracts—be compiled for immediate emergency intervention under a special Federal Works Programme.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving several interventions, describing the Abuja–Lokoja highway as “a lifeline for Nigeria’s economy” due to its heavy traffic flow linking the North and South.
Minister Apologises to Nigerians
The Minister appealed for public patience as work intensifies across the corridor.
He added:
“I sincerely apologise to all road users for the hardship along the Abuja–Lokoja axis. We are working round the clock to ensure early completion.”
