Umahi gives Abuja-Lokoja road contractors 72-hour deadline to resume work

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to contractors handling the rehabilitation of the Abuja-Lokoja highway to fully mobilise to site or risk prosecution by security and anti-corruption agencies.

Umahi gave the warning on Tuesday during an inspection of the project alongside members of the National Assembly Committees on Works, stressing that contractors who have received government funds but failed to execute the project would be held accountable.

According to the minister, the Federal Government is prepared to involve the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the police to recover public funds and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.

“If you are holding the money of the Federal Government, you have to bring it out and do the job, or we start going to the police and the EFCC,” Umahi said.

He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the release of funds for the project and urged contractors to immediately deploy personnel and equipment to the site.

“I’m giving you 72 hours to effectively deploy on this road and utilise the money. The President has graciously approved the funds, and everyone involved must fulfil their obligations,” he added.

The minister also warned officials of the Federal Ministry of Works responsible for project supervision, saying negligence and poor oversight would attract sanctions.

He stressed that contractors and supervising engineers must not undermine the administration’s infrastructure agenda through delays, substandard work or lack of accountability.

While expressing satisfaction with progress on some sections of the highway, Umahi assured contractors that outstanding payments under previous agreements would be settled once the approved funds are disbursed.

He, however, raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Abuja-bound carriageway, noting that more than 90 per cent of the lane has been damaged and could become completely impassable within months without urgent intervention.

The minister further directed contractors not to remove existing asphalt on any section of the road without prior approval from the Ministry of Works.