By Correspondent in Abuja.
The Federal Government has terminated five major road contracts in Kogi State following what it described as “unacceptable delays, non-performance and excessive time overruns” by the companies handling them.
A statement issued after a project review session chaired by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, said the government is dissatisfied with the slow pace of work on the Abuja–Lokoja corridor and other key federal roads passing through the state.
Umahi warned that the Ministry would no longer condone contractors who “collect mobilisation but fail to deliver,” noting that some projects had achieved less than five per cent progress despite exceeding 120 per cent of their contract duration.
“These delays are unacceptable. Nigerians are suffering on these roads, and we cannot continue to indulge contractors who have clearly failed to meet their obligations,” the Minister said during the closed-door session.
He noted that for more than 15 years, the 179-kilometre Abuja–Lokoja dual carriageway,one of Nigeria’s busiest routes,has been under construction, drawing persistent complaints from motorists over gridlock, bad sections and frequent accidents.
Following the latest review, the Ministry announced sweeping actions, including contract terminations and strict ultimatums,the Minister said.
Among the terminated projects is the Culverts and Drains on the Abuja–Lokoja Road (Section 2), Contract No. 8493, handled by Sadogi Nigeria Ltd. Awarded in April 2024, the project has reached 39.04 per cent completion, even though 112.88 per cent of the contract time has been used.
Umahi ordered a mutual termination and directed the contractor to limit further work to funds already released.
Also terminated is the rehabilitation of Abuja–Lokoja Section 4A, Contract No. 8476, awarded to Venus Construction Nigeria Ltd in July 2024. With only 33.79 per cent progress and 131.15 per cent of time spent, the Ministry ordered an immediate mutual termination pending accounts reconciliation.
On the Abuja–Lokoja Section IVB (Flooded Corridor), handled by Sailthrough Engineering Services Ltd, the Minister stopped short of termination but issued a firm completion deadline of December 20, 2025, despite outstanding government payments.
Another major project—the Okene–Ajaokuta–Itobe Road Reconstruction, Contract No. 7648, supervised by CCECC Nigeria Ltd,was also terminated.
Awarded in November 2022, the job has achieved just 2.02 per cent completion, even though nearly 147 per cent of the project timeline has elapsed.
The supervising consultancy services for the project were also terminated due to funding issues.
Similarly, the Lokoja–Shintaku–Dekina–Ayingba Road, Contract No. 7239, awarded to TEC Engineering Company Nigeria Ltd in February 2022, recorded only 1.04 per cent progress against a massive 188.77 per cent time overrun. The Ministry also ordered a mutual termination and halted all further work beyond funds already disbursed. Its supervising consultancy was also removed.
For the Abaji–Koton Karfe dualisation (Section III), executed by Geld/Triacta Nigeria Ltd JV, now at 16.71 per cent completion after exceeding 125 per cent of its timeline, Umahi issued a seven-day ultimatum.
“You have seven days to return to site, repair failed portions and ensure free traffic flow,any further delay will attract sanctions,” he warned.
In contrast to the underperforming contractors, the Minister commended JRB Construction Nigeria Ltd for steady progress on Section 1 of the Abuja–Lokoja Road, directing completion by December 10, 2025.
He also praised the ongoing rehabilitation of the Koton Karfe–Abaji concrete road (47.86km) by Trucrete Solutions Ltd, which is 40 per cent complete with 58.33 per cent of the project time used, describing it as “progressing steadily.”
Umahi instructed that outstanding work on all terminated projects be compiled for immediate emergency intervention under a special Federal Works Programme.
Expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving multiple interventions along the corridor, Umahi described the Abuja–Lokoja road as a “lifeline for Nigeria’s economy” due to its heavy daily traffic linking the northern and southern regions.
He appealed for patience as work intensifies.
“I sincerely apologise to all road users for the hardship along the Abuja–Lokoja axis. Multiple projects are ongoing, and we are working round the clock to ensure early completion,” he said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
