By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Government has cautioned the contractor handling Mararaba-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi dual carriageway on safeguarding public health while carrying out the project.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi gave the warning during a meeting with the company, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) in Abuja.
Umahi said the Ministry received a formal petition over the ongoing Makurdi-9th Nile-Enugu road project, where excessive dust from construction activities has continued to pose environmental and health risks to residents on the corridor.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, asked the firm to take steps that will immediately address public complaints.
Umahi directed the Permanent Secretary to issue a letter to the contractor, mandating immediate dust-control measures, including soil stabilisation techniques, to be implemented, warning that failure to resolve the issue within 7 days would lead to the project’s suspension.
On the Dualisation of the Mararraba-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road, the Minister stated that although the project started under the previous administrations but the present one completed some sections and tolled them. It was, however, observed that portions of the earlier completed road by the past administration were already falling.
Consequently, he reiterated his previous directive that the first five (5) kilometres of the project must be milled, re-asphalted with concrete, and properly re-marked, stressing that the contractor has been given seven days to commence the work.
He further directed that other identified failed sections along the Dual Carriageway be properly rehabilitated through milling and overlay, with particular attention given to poorly executed areas around the Nasarawa State University, failed bridge expansion joints, damaged manhole covers, blocked drainage channels, washouts, and constant vegetation control. In addition, he instructed that all road furnishings be reinstated after the maintenance works.
Umahi emphasised the need for improved highway safety management, directing the contractor to strengthen corridor monitoring and ensure the prompt removal of stationary vehicles to prevent obstruction and accidents on the Highways.
Whilst expressing deep concern over the slow pace of work on the 7th Axial Road project in Lagos, he noted that site mobilisation remains insufficient despite repeated engagements with the contractor at the site and in Abuja. He highlighted that substantial mobilisation funds have already been paid to CHEC, yet key machineries have not been deployed with minimal site clearance being carried out.
The statement reads, “If full mobilisation is not achieved within the agreed timeframe, we will recover the funds and take firm contractual action.”
The Minister made it abundantly clear that the Renewed Hope Administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR will no longer tolerate poor execution, delays, or disregard for agreed standards, stressing that warning letters, withholding of certificates, and broader contractual consequences will be applied, where necessary.
He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains responsive to public concerns and committed to protecting lives, infrastructure integrity, and getting value for public funds. He informed that President Tinubu is determined to enforce accountability and break away from practices that undermine national development.
