The Federal Government of Nigeria has warned that it may revoke the contract for the construction of the Abuja-Lokoja highway if the contractor fails to significantly accelerate the pace of work. Minister of Works, David Umahi, issued this warning during an inspection tour of the ongoing reconstruction works on Saturday in Abuja.
Umahi commended the contractor for the quality of work done but expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work. He announced that contractors would be paid based on milestone completion, and those who fail to meet the government’s targets risk having their contracts revoked and reassigned to more efficient contractors. The minister emphasized that the government would agree on specific targets with the contractor, and payment would be made upon completion of each milestone.
The project in question involves the reconstruction of a 53-kilometer section of the highway, with an approved budget of N56 billion, to be completed by April 2026. Initially planned to be done with asphalt, the contractor opted for concrete at the same price, deeming it a better option. Umahi noted that the decision to use an indigenous contractor was aimed at building local content, and the contractor has delivered excellent quality work.
Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s passion for road projects, emphasizing that this particular project is a priority for the president. Goronyo appealed to the contractors to redouble their efforts to ensure timely completion, assuring that funds are available and that there would be no tolerance for excuses. The governor of Kogi State, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Works, Mohammed Yusuf, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructure development, highlighting the importance of good roads for economic development.
The Federal Government’s emphasis on accelerating the construction of the Abuja-Lokoja highway reflects its commitment to improving Nigeria’s infrastructure, a critical aspect of the country’s economic development. With the government’s resolve to fund and complete priority projects, Nigerians can expect significant improvements in road networks, which would, in turn, enhance accessibility and economic growth. As the project progresses, the government’s scrutiny of contractors’ performance will likely continue, with a focus on ensuring that targets are met and quality standards are maintained.
