Minister issues tough directives to contractors; assures road users of quick relief as emergency interventions begin
The Federal Government has taken decisive action to end delays on key Kogi road projects, ordering the termination of multiple underperforming contracts along the Abuja–Lokoja, Okene–Ajaokuta, and Lokoja–Shintaku–Dekina–Anyigba corridors. Represented by Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director of Press and Public Relations, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi warned contractors that poor performance will no longer be tolerated, promising swift emergency interventions to restore safe and efficient travel for road users.
During the session, the Minister expressed deep concern over the slow pace of critical national projects, particularly those affecting the Abuja–Lokoja corridor, the Okene–Ajaokuta–Itobe axis, and the Lokoja–Shintaku–Dekina–Anyigba road. He emphasized that the government would not allow further delays despite mobilisation funds already disbursed.
Among the projects affected is the provision of culverts and drains on a flood-prone section of the Abuja–Lokoja road (Contract No. 8493), handled by Messrs. Sadogi Nigeria Limited, which has achieved only 39.04% completion despite 112.88% of contract time elapsed. The Minister ordered the mutual termination of the contract and directed the contractor to work strictly within the limits of the advance payment already received.
A similar directive was issued to Messrs. Venus Construction Nigeria Ltd., responsible for Abuja–Lokoja Section 4A (Contract No. 8476), which recorded a completion rate of 33.79% after 131.15% of the contract time had elapsed. For both companies, final determination of accounts will follow the termination process.
For Messrs. Sailthrough Engineering Services Ltd. (Contract No. 8490), handling another flood-damaged portion of the Abuja–Lokoja road, the Minister demanded and received a written commitment to complete the project by 20 December 2025. Mr. Ahmed emphasized that although the ministry still owes the contractor, the government expects strict adherence to the new deadline.
The reconstruction of the Okene–Ajaokuta–Itobe Road (Contract No. 7648), handled by CCECC Nigeria Ltd., was also flagged for termination after posting just 2.02% progress despite 146.92% of contract time consumed. The Minister ordered the immediate termination of both the main contract and the supervisory consultancy services due to funding constraints and prolonged underperformance.
Likewise, TEC Engineering Company Nigeria Ltd., handling the Lokoja–Shintaku–Dekina–Anyigba rehabilitation (Contract No. 7239), recorded only 1.04% completion with nearly 188.77% of the contract time elapsed. The Minister ordered termination of the contract and the associated consultancy services, directing the contractor to continue only within the limits of the advance previously paid.
Messrs. JRB Construction Nigeria Limited received commendation for steady progress on Section 1 of the Abuja–Lokoja rehabilitation works. The Minister directed the firm to complete its assignment before 10 December 2025.
For the dualization of Abuja–Lokoja Section III (Abaji–Koton Karfe), handled by Messrs. Geld/Triacta Nigeria Ltd. JV (Contract No. 7333), the Minister ordered the contractor to resume work on bad sections within seven days, reinstate shoulders to stone-base level, and patch potholes to ease traffic during construction.
The Minister also reviewed progress on the Koton Karfe–Abaji rehabilitation project (Contract No. 8552), handled by Trucrete Solutions Ltd., which is 40% complete with 58.33% time elapsed. He described the concrete-pavement project as progressing steadily and likely to meet its delivery targets.
Mr. Ahmed further disclosed that the Minister has directed an immediate compilation of all outstanding works between Abuja and Lokoja—including those affected by the mass contract terminations—for urgent emergency intervention.
Also speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Federal Controller of Works for Kogi State, Engr. Gana Musa Patiko, highlighted the government’s commitment to restoring the state’s critical road network. He emphasized that Kogi remains a strategic gateway for interstate travel and economic activities, making the timely completion of road projects a national priority, and commended the Minister for his outstanding leadership.
The Minister expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving major interventions across the Abuja–Lokoja corridor, covering approximately 358km of carriageway. He appealed to road users for patience, acknowledging the ongoing disruptions caused by multiple construction activities, and assured that the Ministry is working relentlessly to deliver durable infrastructure in the shortest possible time.
