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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Frustrated with the slow progress on key federal road projects, Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered the termination of several contracts, citing effluxion of time (meaning the projects have significantly exceeded their timelines without adequate completion).
On the Abuja–Lokoja Road, Section 4A (CH. 23+400 – CH. 26+400 RHS) in Kogi State, handled by Messrs. Venus Construction Nigeria Limited under Contract No. 8476, Umahi noted that the project, awarded on July 13, 2024, is only 33.79 per cent complete despite 131.15 per cent of the allotted time having elapsed.
“The contractor should work within the limit of the advance paid to them, after which the final determination of the account is to be carried out,” Umahi said, adding that the contract is mutually terminated based on effluxion of time.
Similarly, for Abuja–Lokoja Section IVB (Flooded Section, CH. 23+400 – CH. 26+395 LHS), Contract No. 8490, handled by Messrs. Sailthrough Engineering Service Limited, the minister instructed the contractor to submit a letter committing to complete the project by December 20, 2025.
Umahi noted that the contractor has complied, even though the ministry owes them outstanding payments.
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The Okene–Ajaokuta–Itobe Road in Kogi State, Contract No. 7648, managed by Messrs. CCECC Nigeria Limited, fared even worse. Awarded on November 18, 2022, the project is just 2.02 per cent complete with 146.92 per cent of the scheduled time elapsed. Umahi again directed mutual termination, stating: “The contractor should work within the limit of the advance paid to them, after which the final determination of the account is to be carried out. Mutual termination of supervisory consultancy services because of lack of funding.”
For the Lokoja–Shintaku–Dekina–Ayingba Road, Contract No. 7239, managed by TEC Engineering Company Nigeria Limited, awarded on February 3, 2022, only 1.04 per cent of the work has been completed despite 188.77 per cent of the time elapsing. Umahi confirmed: “Mutual termination of the contract based on effluxion of time.
The contractor should work within the limit of advance paid to them, after which the final determination account is to be carried out. Mutual termination of supervisory consultancy services because of no funding.”
The minister emphasised that contractors must operate within the funds advanced to them, and where this is exceeded without significant progress, contracts will be terminated. His directive underscores the government’s determination to hold contractors accountable and ensure timely completion of critical infrastructure projects.
This move signals a stricter approach from the Federal Ministry of Works in tackling stalled road projects, especially those that have far exceeded their timelines without meaningful progress. By insisting on adherence to timelines and proper utilization of advances, the ministry aims to curb delays that have long plagued road construction in Nigeria.
