FG gives CHEC 7-day deadline over Makurdi–Enugu road safety

The Federal Government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and its sister firm, China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company (CHOMC), to address safety and environmental concerns on the Makurdi–Enugu Road project or face sanctions.

Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, handed down the directive during a high-level meeting with contractors and concessionaires handling the Mararaba–Keffi–Akwanga–Makurdi Dual Carriageway at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Umahi said the meeting was convened in response to growing public complaints and to reinforce accountability among contractors executing projects under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, the minister expressed concern over multiple issues linked to projects handled by CHEC and CHOMC, warning that the government would enforce strict compliance with safety, quality and environmental standards.

According to the statement, the ministry received a formal petition over excessive dust generated by construction activities along the Makurdi–9th Mile–Enugu Road corridor, which residents say poses serious health and environmental risks.

Umahi consequently directed the Permanent Secretary to formally instruct the contractor to immediately implement dust-control measures, including soil stabilisation techniques, warning that failure to comply within seven days would result in suspension of the project.

On the Mararaba–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi dualisation project, the minister noted that although initiated by the previous administration and partially completed with tolling introduced, some sections had already deteriorated.

He ordered the contractor to mill and re-asphalt the first five kilometres using concrete and properly re-mark the stretch, with work expected to commence within seven days. Other failed sections, particularly around Nasarawa State University, are also to be rehabilitated through proper milling and overlay.

Umahi further directed repairs to damaged bridge expansion joints, manhole covers and drainage systems, as well as washouts and overgrown vegetation. He added that all road furniture must be restored after maintenance works.

To improve highway safety, the minister instructed the contractor to strengthen corridor patrols and promptly remove broken-down vehicles to prevent accidents and traffic obstructions.

He also criticised the slow pace of work on the 7th Axial Road project in Lagos, saying mobilisation remained inadequate despite repeated engagements and the release of substantial funds. Only minimal site activity had been observed.

“If full mobilisation is not achieved within the agreed timeframe, we will recover the funds and take firm contractual action,” Umahi warned.

He stressed that the Tinubu administration would no longer tolerate delays, poor workmanship or breaches of agreed standards, noting that warning letters, payment withholding and other sanctions would be applied where necessary.

Umahi reassured Nigerians that the government remains committed to addressing public concerns, protecting lives and ensuring value for public funds through quality infrastructure delivery.

Responding on behalf of the firms, CHOMC’s Acting Executive Director (Operations), Stephen Lee, assured the ministry that industry-standard dust-control measures would be deployed across project sites.

He also pledged full mobilisation on the 7th Axial Road and rehabilitation of defective sections of the Mararaba–Lafia Road.