Today in my office, I held a critical meeting with contractors handling two key road infrastructure projects in Kogi State: the Lokoja-Shintaku-Dekina-Anyigba road and the Okene-Ajaokuta-Itobe dual carriageway. These projects, awarded in 2022, have unfortunately recorded significant delays despite substantial advance payments.
The Okene-Ajaokuta-Itobe carriageway project, awarded to CCECC Nig Ltd with a scope of 52.27km, has only achieved 1.97% completion despite receiving ₦2.5 billion in advance payments. I have directed the Director, Highway North Central, to issue a warning letter to the contractor. Within 30 days, the contractor must resume work and achieve a milestone commensurate with the funds received. Failure to comply will result in mutual termination of the contract to enable the Ministry to re-strategize and enhance project delivery.
The Lokoja-Shintaku-Dekina-Anyigba road project, handled by TEC Engineering Company Nig Ltd, has recorded only 1.04% completion despite ₦1 billion in advance payments. The contractor has been directed to lay 3km of asphalt by December 2025. After this milestone, a final account will be made based on work completed, and the contract will be mutually terminated. The assessment for funds already released will be based on the old rate, while future assessments will align with the new rate.
The consultancy services for both projects will be mutually terminated pending the procurement of new contracts under enhanced funding and execution strategies. The Ministry will re-evaluate both projects to ensure alignment with the Renewed Hope administration’s core values of quality, speed, and value for money in project delivery.
As part of the Renewed Hope agenda, we remain committed to delivering high-quality infrastructure that meets the needs of Nigerians.
Minister for works, Umahi
