ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has warned two contractors handling key highway projects in Kogi State to speed up work or risk termination after receiving substantial advance payments.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, issued the warning following a review of the Lokoja–Shintaku–Dekina–Anyigba road and the Okene–Ajaokuta–Itobe dual carriageway.
According to a statement by his media adviser, Orji Uchenna Orji, the minister expressed frustration at the contractors’ failure to deliver agreed milestones.
On the Okene–Ajaokuta–Itobe project, handled by CCECC Nigeria Ltd., Umahi said that despite ₦2.5 billion in advance payment for the 52.27 km contract awarded in 2022, only 1.97 percent had been completed. He ordered the Director of Highways (North Central) to issue a warning letter, giving the firm 30 days to resume work at agreed rates or face partial termination.
Similarly, TEC Engineering Company Nigeria Ltd., handling the Lokoja–Shintaku–Dekina–Anyigba road, had achieved only 1.04 percent of work despite ₦1 billion advance payment. The minister directed the company to deliver at least 3 km of asphalt by December 2025 or face contract termination and re-procurement.
Umahi also ordered consultancy contracts tied to both projects terminated, stressing that future assessments would be based on old rates, while new 2025 budget releases would reflect updated pricing.
“The ministry will no longer tolerate delays undermining government’s commitment to completing inherited projects,” Umahi said. “Contractors failing to meet obligations risk immediate replacement.”
