The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has warned that the contracts awarded to BUA International and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation may be terminated due to slow progress on federal road projects.
The warning came on Friday during Umahi’s inspection of federal roads in Edo Central and Edo South.
BUA International is responsible for the Ekpoma section of the Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi Expressway, while CCECC is handling road construction in the state under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme.
Expressing concern over the pace of work, Umahi said, “From Benin to Ekpoma alone is 53km, and CBC has begun work on the first stretch, already covering 2km without a single payment made. This is commendable.
“However, CCECC must sit up. By Monday, if I do not see efficiency in at least two sections, their contracts will be terminated. President Tinubu is determined to build roads that will last 50 to 100 years, not the short-lived projects of the past.”
While praising BUA International for the quality of work on the Ekpoma section, Umahi urged the company to accelerate the completion of the first 10km by the end of October, warning that failure could result in contract terminations nationwide.
The minister also admonished federal directors and controllers to leave their offices and supervise projects on-site.
“If I visit any state and encounter gridlock like I did here today, I will immediately redeploy the state director and controller to Abuja,” he stated, emphasizing that government officers must match the President’s dedication to serving the people.
Highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s road infrastructure, Umahi said the aim is to ensure durability and sustainability.
He also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his ongoing interventions and encouraged the Edo State Government to intensify efforts to ease the difficulties faced by road users.
The inspection tour also included visits to the ongoing reconstruction of the Benin-Asaba Expressway, recently handed over to a concession company.
The delegation toured Ujueolen, the Ekpoma stretch of the Benin–Auchi–Lokoja Expressway, and Egbele in Uromi, expressing dissatisfaction with the current road conditions.
At the sites, Umahi instructed contractors to immediately implement palliative measures to reduce daily stress for road users.
During the tour, he handed over the completion of a full carriageway from Ewu to Agbor to the Edo State Government, explaining that while the Federal Ministry of Works will manage the design, execution will be handled locally.
Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for prioritizing Edo roads, noting that the renewed focus has inspired confidence among residents.
