The All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) has accused the Federal Government of withholding over ₦760 billion owed for completed 2024 projects, despite reports that a payment warrant was issued two months ago.

AICAN President Jackson Ifeanyi said in Abuja that members, who funded projects with borrowed money, are now facing bankruptcy. He warned that if payments are not made by week’s end, contractors will stage peaceful protests across the FCT.

He also directed members to boycott 2025 projects unless mobilisation funds are released upfront.

Vice President Fredrick Agada accused government officials of favouring foreign firms over local contractors, saying: “While foreign contractors are cashing out, our members are dying in penury.”

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The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has ordered the immediate issuance of a 14-day termination notice to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for allegedly executing substandard work that has led to the near-collapse of the Port Harcourt–Aba Road.

Umahi gave the directive during an inspection of federal road projects in Rivers State, expressing deep frustration over the deteriorating state of the 43-kilometre dual carriageway.

He accused CCECC of ignoring engineering specifications despite repeated warnings from the ministry, describing the road’s condition as “a national embarrassment.”

“We are at the Port Harcourt-bound Aba route being constructed by CCECC, which is on the verge of total collapse,” Umahi said. “This project was inherited, and since we came on board, we’ve been injecting funds to complete one carriageway.”

The minister explained that the ministry had earlier agreed with CCECC to use concrete on the shoulders and asphalt on the main carriageway for improved durability. However, the company allegedly violated this agreement by laying binder courses over long stretches without finishing the shoulders or applying the final wear coat, a shortcut that has already resulted in failures on sections completed two years ago.

After issuing over 20 official warnings, Umahi announced that the ministry would de-scope the Port Harcourt-bound section from CCECC’s contract and hand it over to competent indigenous contractors.

He warned that CCECC must either correct the defects at its own cost or risk having all its ongoing projects across Nigeria suspended.

“I will direct the ministry to engage qualified indigenous contractors for the Port Harcourt-bound lane,” Umahi stated. “If CCECC fails to mill out and replace the defective binder, we will terminate all their contracts nationwide.”

Umahi also revealed plans to publish all correspondences with CCECC to ensure transparency and safeguard public funds, adding that the government will not condone any act that undermines President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s infrastructure renewal drive.

He directed the Federal Controller of Works in Rivers State to issue the formal termination notice, along with documented warnings, to CCECC’s head office before Wednesday.

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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.

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