Umahi Warns Edo Road Contractors To Deliver Or Lose Projects

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a final warning to contractors handling federal road projects in Edo State, directing them to complete their work by October 2025 or risk contract termination.

Umahi gave the order during an inspection tour of federal roads across Edo Central and Edo South at the weekend, where he expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work, especially on the Benin–Auchi–Lokoja Expressway and other major routes.

He specifically warned CBC, one of the contractors, to return to site immediately or face cancellation. “If by October this project is not completed, I will ground all your operations nationwide,” he said.

The minister, accompanied by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, said President Bola Tinubu was determined to improve infrastructure and boost the economy through quality road projects. He praised BUA Group for its work on the Benin–Auchi road under the tax credit scheme, describing it as an example of efficiency and dedication.

Umahi lamented that many contractors inherited multiple road projects from the previous administration but lacked the personnel and equipment to deliver, accusing some of making excuses over rain, compensation, and traffic.

He stressed that the current government would no longer tolerate delays, saying: “People are suffering, and the President is committed to righting the wrongs of the past.”

Governor Okpebholo commended the federal government for prioritising Edo’s road infrastructure, saying the Renewed Hope Agenda was already transforming communities and restoring public confidence.

BUA’s Project Manager, Mohammad Rabiu, assured that the concrete pavement being used on the Ekpoma section of the expressway would last for decades.

The inspection also covered sections of the Benin–Asaba Expressway, which has been handed over to a concession company for reconstruction. Umahi formally transferred responsibility for completing the Ewu–Agbor carriageway to the Edo State Government, noting that while the ministry would handle the design, execution would be done locally.