Nigerian Government Threatens Arrest of Chinese Engineers Over Substandard Roads

The Nigerian government, through Governor Dave Umahi, has issued a strong warning to Chinese engineers handling the Aba-Port Harcourt expressway construction for using substandard materials. Umahi expressed outrage during an inspection visit, accusing China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) of using old binder on the project despite being paid for new materials.

He directed the immediate removal of the old materials and repair work to commence without delay, threatening arrest and possible contract termination for non-compliance. Additionally, Umahi announced the termination of CCECC's contract for the Port Harcourt section due to poor workmanship, with plans to reassign the project to competent indigenous contractors.

Julius Berger was directed to manage the Bodo-Bonny coastal highway project, including installing solar lights, CCTV cameras, and planting trees for security and beautification purposes. The Minister commended RCC for progress on the East-West road and assured completion of major road projects in the Niger Delta by the first quarter of the next year.