By Joy Onu
The Federal Government has issued stern directives to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and its affiliate, China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company (CHOMC), following mounting public complaints over the quality, pace, and environmental impact of several ongoing federal road projects across the country.
The directives were handed down at a high-level meeting chaired by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Works headquarters in Abuja. Officials of the ministry and representatives of the two Chinese firms, who are concessionaires on the Mararraba–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Dual Carriageway, were in attendance.
Addressing the meeting, Umahi said the government would no longer tolerate poor workmanship, delays, or actions that endanger public health and safety. He disclosed that the ministry had received a formal petition over the Makurdi–9th Mile–Enugu Road project, where excessive dust from construction activities has continued to pose serious environmental and health risks to residents along the corridor.
As a result, the minister directed the Permanent Secretary to immediately issue a warning letter to the contractor, mandating the deployment of dust-control measures, including soil stabilisation techniques. He warned that failure to address the issue within seven days would lead to the suspension of the project.
On the Mararraba–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Dual Carriageway, Umahi noted that although parts of the project were initiated by a previous administration, the current government had completed and tolled some sections. However, he expressed concern that certain portions earlier completed were already deteriorating.
Consequently, he reiterated his directive that the first five kilometres of the road must be milled and reconstructed using concrete pavement, with proper road markings. He said the contractor has been given seven days to mobilise and commence the corrective work.
The minister further instructed that other failed sections along the corridor be rehabilitated through milling and overlay, with special attention to areas around Nasarawa State University, damaged bridge expansion joints, broken manhole covers, blocked drainage systems, washouts, and uncontrolled vegetation. He also directed that all road furniture be reinstated upon completion of maintenance works.
Emphasising highway safety, Umahi ordered the contractor to strengthen corridor monitoring and ensure the prompt removal of broken-down or stationary vehicles to reduce accidents and traffic obstruction.
The minister also expressed deep concern over the slow pace of work on the 7th Axial Road project in Lagos, describing mobilisation on site as grossly inadequate despite repeated engagements with the contractor both in Lagos and Abuja. He revealed that substantial mobilisation funds had already been released, yet critical construction equipment had not been deployed.
“If full mobilisation is not achieved within the agreed timeframe, we will recover the funds and take firm contractual action,” Umahi warned.
He stressed that under the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, poor execution and disregard for contractual standards would attract sanctions, including warning letters, withholding of certificates, and other contractual consequences.
Umahi assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains responsive to public concerns and committed to protecting lives, infrastructure integrity, and ensuring value for public funds. He added that the administration inherited 2,064 ongoing projects valued at over ₦13 trillion as of May 29, 2023, excluding those under the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme.
Despite funding constraints, the minister said road construction and rehabilitation are progressing nationwide. While acknowledging that the entire federal road network cannot be completed within a single four-year term, he expressed confidence that sustained efforts over the next five years would significantly transform Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape.
Responding on behalf of the companies, the Acting Executive Director (Operations) of CHOMC, Mr. Stephen Lee, pledged that industry-standard anti-dust measures would be implemented on all sites. He also assured the ministry of full mobilisation on the 7th Axial Road project and the rehabilitation of failed sections on the Mararraba–Lafia corridor.
Umahi concluded by reiterating that contractors must meet agreed standards or face firm consequences, as the Federal Government remains resolute in delivering safe, durable, and sustainable road infrastructure for Nigerians.
