Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has withdrawn the Abuja-bound section of the Mararaba–Keffi road reconstruction project from China Harbour Engineering Company Limited over poor performance and disregard for directives.
During an inspection on Saturday, Umahi expressed disappointment with the contractor’s attitude and slow pace on the 43.65km dual carriageway, announcing that indigenous firms will now handle the section for faster, higher-quality delivery.
He criticized China Harbour for ignoring instructions and failing to maintain unused sections of the road, warning that such negligence would no longer be tolerated.
Umahi reiterated that no contractor should pave roads without completing shoulders and proper wearing courses, emphasizing that such shortcuts lead to early road failure.
Commending President Bola Tinubu for supporting strict oversight, Umahi urged the public to report any ministry official demanding bribes. He also warned that directors and controllers who fail to report contractor noncompliance within 24 hours would face sanctions.
Effective immediately, local contractors will handle the Abuja-bound carriageway’s inner and outer shoulders using concrete. Umahi urged states to monitor contractors closely and report poor performance, assuring that erring companies would be promptly replaced.
