FG Cracks Down on Road Contractors, Gives China Harbour 7-Day Ultimatum
The Federal Government has taken decisive action to address public complaints and enforce strict accountability on road contractors, issuing tough directives to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and its sister firm, China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company (CHOMC), over multiple ongoing highway projects across the country.
The directives followed a high-level meeting held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Works headquarters in Abuja, chaired by the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, with senior officials of the Ministry and representatives of CHEC and CHOMC, concessionaires of the Mararraba–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Dual Carriageway.
During the meeting, the Minister reviewed several concerns surrounding the execution, quality, pace, and environmental impact of the companies’ projects, stressing that the Federal Government would no longer tolerate substandard delivery, delays, or threats to public safety.
Engr. Umahi disclosed that the Ministry had received a formal petition from residents along the Makurdi–9th Mile–Enugu Road corridor, citing excessive dust pollution from construction activities, which has posed serious environmental and health risks. He directed the Permanent Secretary to immediately issue a warning letter to the contractor, mandating the implementation of effective dust-control measures, including soil stabilisation techniques.
He warned that failure to fully resolve the issue within seven days would result in the suspension of the project.
On the dualisation of the Mararraba–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Road, the Minister noted that although the project was initiated by a previous administration, the current government completed some sections and introduced tolling. However, he expressed concern that parts of the earlier completed sections were already failing.
Consequently, he reiterated his earlier directive that the first five kilometres of the road must be milled, reconstructed with concrete pavement, and properly re-marked, giving the contractor seven days to mobilise and commence the work.
He further ordered the rehabilitation of other failed sections along the corridor through proper milling and overlay, with specific attention to poorly executed areas around Nasarawa State University, failed bridge expansion joints, damaged manhole covers, blocked drainages, washouts, and unchecked vegetation growth. He also directed that all road furniture be restored after maintenance works.
In addition, Engr. Umahi stressed the need to improve highway safety management, instructing the contractor to strengthen corridor monitoring and ensure the prompt removal of broken-down or stationary vehicles to reduce road obstructions and accidents.
Expressing deep dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work on the 7th Axial Road project in Lagos, the Minister said site mobilisation remained grossly inadequate despite repeated engagements with the contractor both on site and in Abuja.
He noted that substantial mobilisation funds had already been paid to CHEC, yet heavy equipment had not been deployed, with only minimal site clearance observed. He warned that failure to achieve full mobilisation within the agreed timeframe would compel the government to recover the funds and apply firm contractual sanctions.
“The Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR will no longer tolerate poor execution, unnecessary delays, or disregard for agreed standards,” the Minister declared, adding that warning letters, withholding of certificates, and other contractual penalties would be enforced where necessary.
Engr. Umahi assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains responsive to public concerns and committed to protecting lives, safeguarding infrastructure, and ensuring value for public funds. He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s determination to end practices that undermine national development and infrastructure sustainability.
Highlighting the scale of inherited projects, the Minister revealed that the administration inherited 2,064 ongoing projects valued at over ₦13 trillion as of May 29, 2023, excluding projects under the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme. Despite funding constraints, he said road construction and rehabilitation are progressing nationwide.
While acknowledging that the entire federal road network cannot be completed within a single four-year term, he expressed confidence that sustained efforts over the next five years would significantly transform Nigeria’s infrastructure. He, therefore, urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu in 2027 to consolidate ongoing infrastructure development.
Responding on behalf of CHEC and CHOMC, the Acting Executive Director (Operations) of CHOMC, Mr. Stephen Lee, pledged that industry-standard anti-dust measures would be implemented across all project sites. He also assured that adequate mobilisation would be achieved on the 7th Axial Road and that failed sections of the Mararraba–Lafia corridor would be rehabilitated.
The Minister concluded by reiterating that contractors must meet agreed standards or face firm consequences, as the Federal Government remains resolute in delivering safe, durable, and high-quality road infrastructure to Nigerians.
