The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has withdrawn a ₦2.8 billion palliative certificate issued for the yet-to-be-executed reconstruction of the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Expressway, citing concerns over poor workmanship and improper certification.

Umahi also directed the suspension of ongoing reconstruction activities on the corridor, ordering a comprehensive review of materials and construction standards before work can resume.

Minister Faults Quality, Orders Immediate Suspension

The minister expressed dissatisfaction during an inspection tour of the project site, criticising the condition of the road and the quality of materials being used.

He specifically faulted the Osun State Controller of Works for certifying the disputed palliative work, directing that the certificate be withdrawn immediately.

Umahi further instructed the contractor, CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Limited, to halt operations temporarily and work with project controllers at Papalanto to verify the approved construction mixture before continuing.

Emphasis on Standards and Road Integrity

The Works Minister ordered that construction be refocused on completing both inner and outer shoulders before any section of the carriageway is opened to traffic.

He warned that any completed portion that does not meet required engineering standards would not be approved for use.

Umahi also directed the removal of heavy-duty trucks parked on newly constructed concrete sections, warning that such activities could compromise structural integrity.

27-Day Deadline for Solar Lighting Installation

As part of additional directives, the minister issued a 27-day ultimatum for the completion of solar street lighting along the corridor, warning that failure to meet the deadline would result in contract termination.

Commends Contractor Despite Setback

Despite the suspension, Umahi commended CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Limited, describing the company as one of the most reliable Chinese contractors operating in Nigeria.

He noted that despite funding delays, the firm has completed about 70 kilometres of the 108-kilometre project, maintaining a high construction pace.

Tree Planting Initiative Planned Along Corridor

The minister also announced plans for environmental enhancement through tree planting along the road shoulders, to be carried out in collaboration with local stakeholders from Ibadan, Osun, and Ife communities.

According to him, teak trees will be planted at five-metre intervals, with maintenance guaranteed for one year as part of efforts to improve road safety and environmental sustainability.

The post Umahi Withdraws ₦2.8bn Palliative Certificate, Suspends Work on Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Expressway appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The House of Representatives Nigeria has approved a $516,333,007 foreign loan request by Bola Tinubu to support infrastructure development.

The fund will be used to finance key sections of the proposed Sokoto–Badagry superhighway, a major road project aimed at improving connectivity across the country.

Approval Granted at Plenary

The approval was granted during Tuesday’s plenary following the presentation of a report by the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management, Abdullahi Rasheed.

Lawmakers reviewed the proposal and endorsed the borrowing plan as part of efforts to boost infrastructure development.

Loan to Be Sourced from Deutsche Bank

The loan is expected to be secured from Deutsche Bank, in line with the Federal Government’s financing strategy for large-scale projects.

Earlier reports indicated that the President had formally written to the National Assembly seeking approval for the facility.

Project Significance

The Sokoto–Badagry superhighway is considered a strategic national project designed to enhance trade, ease transportation, and drive economic growth across multiple regions.

Once completed, the highway is expected to link northern and southern Nigeria more efficiently, reducing travel time and improving logistics for businesses.

The post Reps Approve $516m Loan Request for Sokoto–Badagry Highway Project appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Government has removed China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) from the Port Harcourt-bound section of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway for substandard performance.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced the decision after inspecting federal road projects in the South-East and South-South. He said CCECC ignored multiple warnings and failed to meet the Ministry’s construction standards, describing the 43-km Aba–Port Harcourt stretch as “near collapse.”

Umahi ordered a 14-day termination notice, directing CCECC to fix the defective binder at its own cost or face contract cancellation. The project will be re-awarded to competent indigenous contractors.

Meanwhile, Umahi reported that work on Section II of the expressway (Umuahia Tower–Aba Rail/Road Crossing), handled by Arab Contractors, has reached 85% completion. He also ordered weekly inspections to ensure quality and timely delivery.

The post FG Drops CCECC from Enugu–Port Harcourt Road Project Over Poor Work appeared first on Housing TV Africa.