February 06, (THEWILL) — The Federal Government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to contractors handling critical federal highway projects to address excessive dust, structural failures, and slow project execution or face suspension and other contractual sanctions.
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, handed down the directive following a high-level meeting with officials of the Ministry and representatives of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company (CHOMC) at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
In a statement issued on Friday, February 6, 2026, by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, the government noted that the action followed sustained public complaints and on-site assessments revealing environmental hazards and poor mobilization.
The Ministry disclosed it had received a formal petition regarding the Makurdi–9th Mile–Enugu Road project, where excessive dust from construction has posed serious health risks to residents.
Umahi directed that immediate dust-control measures, including soil stabilization techniques, be deployed. “Failure to resolve the issue within seven days would lead to the project’s suspension,” the minister warned.
On the Mararraba–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Dual Carriageway, the Minister expressed concern that sections completed by the previous administration were already failing, despite portions being tolled by the present government.
He ordered that the first five kilometres be milled, reconstructed with concrete, and re-marked within the week. He further directed the rehabilitation of other failed sections, including defects around Nasarawa State University, failed bridge expansion joints, and blocked drainage channels.
The Minister also raised an alarm over the slow pace of work on the 7th Axial Road project in Lagos. He noted that despite substantial mobilization funds paid to the contractor, equipment deployment remained grossly inadequate.
Umahi warned that if full mobilization is not achieved within the agreed timeframe, the government will recover the funds and take firm contractual action.
Emphasizing highway safety, Umahi ordered the prompt removal of broken-down vehicles to prevent accidents and obstructions.
He stressed that the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Tinubu would no longer tolerate poor workmanship or delays.
“The administration inherited 2,064 ongoing projects valued at over ₦13 trillion as of May 29, 2023,” Umahi said, affirming that road rehabilitation is progressing despite funding constraints.
Responding on behalf of the companies, the Acting Executive Director (Operations) of CHOMC, Mr. Stephen Lee, pledged that industry-standard anti-dust measures would be implemented across all sites, alongside adequate mobilization for the Lagos project and the rehabilitation of failed road sections.
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