Chukwu Obinna 
Abuja, Nigeria — Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered the withdrawal of the Abuja-bound carriageway of the ongoing Mararaba–Keffi road reconstruction from China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, citing poor performance and disregard for directives.
During an inspection on Saturday, Umahi expressed dissatisfaction with the company’s slow pace, saying the 43.65-kilometre dual carriageway would now be handled by local contractors to ensure quality and speed.
“I am disappointed with the Abuja-bound carriageway. Some contractors act like they are doing the government a favour. This is unacceptable,” he said.
Umahi accused China Harbour of ignoring repeated instructions and failing to complete road shoulders, warning that such negligence causes premature road failure.
“You cannot keep flouting directives. From tomorrow, local contractors will be mobilised to fix the inner and outer shoulders using concrete,” Umahi declared.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for backing firm enforcement of standards, urging road controllers to report defiant contractors directly to him.
“The president has released funds; no one should delay work or cause public suffering,” Umahi warned.
The minister said the decision aims to protect the welfare and safety of road users and to prioritise accountability over profit.
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