By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
The Federal Government has issued sweeping ultimatums to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and its affiliate, China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company (CHOMC), over what it described as unacceptable project failures, environmental hazards and slow mobilisation on key federal road projects across the country.
The tough stance was taken Thursday after a high-level closed-door meeting at the Federal Ministry of Works headquarters in Abuja, chaired by the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, following mounting public complaints and technical reports indicting several China Harbour–handled projects.
Top on the agenda was a formal petition received by the Ministry over the Makurdi–9th Mile–Enugu Road, where unchecked construction dust has reportedly exposed residents to severe environmental and health risks.
Umahi ordered the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary to immediately issue a directive compelling the contractor to deploy soil stabilisation and dust-control measures without delay.
“Failure to resolve this within seven days will lead to suspension of the project,” the Minister warned.
Attention then shifted to the Mararraba–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Dual Carriageway, where sections of the road completed under the previous administration were found to be already failing.
Umahi directed that the first five kilometres of the road be completely milled, rebuilt with concrete asphalt and re-marked, giving the contractor seven days to mobilise and begin work.
Beyond that stretch, the Minister ordered immediate rehabilitation of all failed portions, including:
Poorly executed sections near Nasarawa State University
Defective bridge expansion joints
Damaged manhole covers
Blocked drainage systems
Washouts and overgrown vegetation
All road furniture, he stressed, must be restored after repairs.
The Minister also raised alarm over poor corridor management, directing contractors to strengthen highway monitoring and ensure swift removal of broken-down vehicles to curb avoidable crashes and traffic obstruction.
In Lagos, the 7th Axial Road Project came under sharp criticism as Umahi expressed “deep concern” over the slow pace of work despite repeated engagements and the release of substantial mobilisation funds.
He noted that heavy equipment had yet to be fully deployed, with only minimal site clearance ongoing.
“If full mobilisation is not achieved within the agreed timeframe, we will recover the funds and take firm contractual action,” Umahi declared.
The Minister made it clear that the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, would no longer tolerate:
Substandard execution
Delays
Disregard for contractual standards
Sanctions, he said, will include warning letters, withholding of certificates and full contractual enforcement.
Umahi disclosed that the Tinubu administration inherited 2,064 ongoing projects valued at over ₦13 trillion as of May 29, 2023, excluding Infrastructure Tax Credit projects.
Despite funding constraints, he said road construction and rehabilitation are ongoing nationwide, adding that while the entire federal road network cannot be completed in four years, sustained delivery over five years would significantly transform national infrastructure.
He urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu beyond 2027 to consolidate gains in transportation and infrastructure development.
Responding on behalf of CHEC and CHOMC, Mr. Stephen Lee, Acting Executive Director (Operations) of CHOMC, pledged immediate compliance.
He assured that:
Industry-standard anti-dust measures would be deployed
Full mobilisation would commence on the 7th Axial Road
Failed sections of the Mararraba–Lafia corridor would be rehabilitated
Umahi closed the meeting with a blunt message: Contractors must deliver to standard or face the consequences.
The Federal Government, he said, remains resolute in protecting lives, safeguarding public funds and delivering safe, durable road infrastructure for Nigerians.
