‘Contractors must accept FG’s policies’: Umahi denies rift with Julius Berger

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, says he has no personal issues with Julius Berger Plc, stressing that all contractors must comply with ministry policies and pricing regulations.

Umahi said this while updating journalists on the rehabilitation of the Iddo Bridge in Lagos on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

He said the ministry remained committed to fairness and equal treatment, stressing that no contractor would receive special consideration under the President Bola Tinubu administration.

“Julius Berger thinks I have anything personal against them. I have nothing personal against them. Everybody has to accept the policies of the Federal Ministry of Works,” the minister said.

Umahi stated that if the ministry could hold HiTech Construction Company to strict technical standards and national commitment, it would apply the same measures to others.

Umahi emphasised that HiTech, Julius Berger, and other firms handling federal projects must adhere strictly to the government’s approved pricing framework.

The minister recalled past concerns over inflated project costs and unequal treatment, noting that the administration had directed that all contractors be treated fairly.

“You cannot take away the good job they are doing. Yesterday, they said they are the highest in quality. I said no, HiTech is highest in quality. Come and test it,” he said.

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Umahi commended progress on the Iddo Bridge, describing the project as vital to public safety and traffic management.

Umahi stated that the bridge’s low headroom had caused repeated accidents and fatalities, necessitating urgent structural redesign.

He expressed confidence that the rehabilitation would be completed between May and June, 2026.

On the extension of the Third Mainland Bridge handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, the minister said the government was satisfied with the pace of work.

He disclosed that structural deflection at the return walls had prompted the ministry to demolish and reconstruct the affected sections.

“We are going to destroy that and rebuild the service lanes. Then we will rebuild the return walls and ramps with concrete,” Umahi said.

He reiterated that quality, safety, and value for money remained the ministry’s guiding principles on all federal road and bridge projects.

The Star