Minister of Works, David Umahi
In a bold move to fast-track delivery and uphold construction standards, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered the removal of China Harbour Engineering Company Limited from handling the Abuja-bound section of the ongoing Mararaba–Keffi road reconstruction project.
Umahi, who conducted an on-site inspection on Saturday, didn’t mince words about his dissatisfaction with the company’s performance and repeated disregard for government directives.
> “I am disappointed with the Abuja-bound carriageway. The project was not taken away from China Harbour, but the company’s attitude has been uncooperative,” he stated.
Citing persistent delays and poor execution, the Minister disclosed that the 43.65-kilometre dual carriageway will now be completed by indigenous contractors to speed up work and ensure quality.
> “Some contractors working on federal roads are not in partnership with government, they are only interested in the money,” Umahi said. “It took several interventions to get China Harbour to maintain the other carriageway they weren’t even working on.”
As a new policy directive, the Minister emphasized that all federal project sites must ensure no stretch of the road remains riddled with potholes or structural defects — even during the course of construction.
He underscored the necessity of laying a proper stone base before any form of pavement is applied and warned against shortcuts such as skipping the shoulders or binder layers, which contribute to early road failure.
> “This is unacceptable. You cannot do pavement without completing the shoulders because such negligence causes road failure,” Umahi warned. “China Harbour must not force me to declare them enemies of the Ministry of Works.”
Expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support, Umahi revealed that some contractors have attempted to undermine the ministry by appealing to influential stakeholders when held accountable.
> “When we correct contractors, they often run to stakeholders to damage our reputation. If not for the President’s understanding, it would have been difficult to take firm decisions,” he said.
He urged transparency and invited whistleblowing on any corrupt requests from ministry staff:
> “Let me be clear — if any of us in the Ministry asks you for money, please report it publicly. We will take tough decisions to protect this country.”
Effective immediately, China Harbour is off the Abuja-bound lane project. Local contractors, he said, will be mobilised to commence work on the shoulders using concrete.
> “You cannot keep flouting directives. The welfare and safety of road users are more important than anyone’s profit,” Umahi said, adding that any ministry official who fails to report compliance issues within 24 hours would be recalled.
He also called on state governments to monitor road projects within their domains and alert the Ministry if contractors show up with substandard equipment or poor capacity.
> “The President has released funds; no one should collude with contractors to delay work. Let it also be known publicly that the director in charge of this zone will be held responsible for compliance.”
NAN
