Umahi Demands Action on Abuja-Lokoja Highway Project

David Umahi, the Minister of Works, issued a 72-hour ultimatum to contractors handling the Abuja-Lokoja highway rehabilitation project to fully mobilize to the site or face potential sanctions, including prosecution under anti-graft laws. During a joint inspection on Tuesday, Umahi expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work, noting that despite contractors spending several years on the project, progress was not commensurate with the time spent.

The original contract covered 49.28 kilometers but was later reduced to 28 kilometers due to funding constraints. Umahi disclosed that President Bola Tinubu approved funds for the project, urging contractors to deploy equipment and personnel immediately.

He warned that any contractor failing to execute the project according to the agreed timeline would no longer be tolerated. Umahi lamented the hardships faced by commuters due to prolonged construction activities and emphasized the need for effective supervision of the contractors by ministry officials.