Minister Umahi Threatens To Terminate Lokoja-Benin Road Contracts Over Unsigned Documents

Minister Umahi Threatens To Terminate Lokoja-Benin Road Contracts Over Unsigned Documents

The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, has issued a stern warning to five firms handling sections I-IV of the Lokoja-Benin Road in Kogi and Edo states. Umahi demanded that the contractors immediately sign the documents on the reviewed contracts or face termination of their jobs, which amount to over 870 billion Naira……READ ALSO Video: Contractors Gang-Up Unveiled: Minister Umahi’s Battle For Better Roads

The directive was delivered during a meeting at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, where representatives of Mothercat, CCECC, Dantata & Sawoe, CGC, and RCC were present. Umahi also instructed the ministry to conduct a comprehensive audit of ongoing projects within seven days to assess the status of work done and the capacity of personnel and equipment being used by the contractors.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Uchenna Orji, Umahi accused the construction firms of delaying tactics. He expressed bewilderment at their failure to sign the reviewed contract documents despite their involvement in the process of re-scoping and reviewing the contract specifications.

Umahi emphasized that the government had spent over five months in meetings with the contractors to agree on re-scoping the project. The new specifications included using concrete for new lanes and asphalt for others. All parties had previously signed the documents and obtained approval from relevant government bodies.

Highlighting the contractors’ lack of required manpower and equipment for the task, Umahi warned that any contractor signing a contract must adhere to the basic rate and timeline. He firmly stated that failure to sign the contracts promptly would result in the forfeiture of the jobs, with no room for further negotiation.

The minister’s stance underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability and efficiency in infrastructure projects, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to delays and contractual breaches.

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