The rehabilitation of the Dekina–Ugbabo Road and the Okene-Ajaokuta-Itobe dual carriageway in Kogi State has faced significant delays, with project completion reportedly at just one per cent, despite contractors receiving substantial advance payments from the Federal Government.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed the development in a statement released through his spokesperson, Uchenna Orji.
According to the statement, TEC Engineering Company Nig Ltd, responsible for the Lokoja-Shintaku-Dekina-Anyigba Road with a spur from Dekina to Ugbabo, recorded only 1.04 per cent completion, although it had received N1bn as an advance payment.
The minister has directed the contractor to lay three kilometres of asphalt by December 2025, after which a final evaluation will determine further action, including the possible mutual termination of the contract.
Similarly, the 52.27km rehabilitation of the Okene-Ajaokuta-Itobe dual carriageway handled by CCECC Nig Ltd shows only 1.97 per cent completion on one alignment, despite an N2.5bn advance.
Umahi has ordered that the contractors resume work within 30 days using the old contract rates to ensure tangible progress, warning that any section not meeting agreed milestones may be terminated to allow the Ministry to re-procure the remaining project for enhanced execution.
Umahi emphasised that these measures form part of the administration’s commitment to a “road infrastructure revolution” anchored on quality, speed, and value for money.
“The administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring that ongoing and inherited projects meet high standards of execution,” he stated, noting that the projects were initially awarded in 2022 with expected completion in 2024.
The Minister also directed the mutual termination of consultancy contracts associated with both projects pending new procurement, a move aimed at streamlining oversight and ensuring accountability in project delivery.
Speaking on the delays, Umahi expressed concern over the slow pace of contractors, highlighting the importance of meeting milestones in line with government funding and timelines.
“We expect contractors to demonstrate commitment commensurate with the financial resources provided. Any deviation will compel the Ministry to take decisive action,” he warned.
The directive comes amid broader federal efforts to upgrade road infrastructure in the North Central region, a critical component of Nigeria’s economic development strategy.
Analysts note that delays in such projects not only increase costs but also hinder trade and mobility, affecting local economies and national growth objectives.
Kogi State residents have expressed frustration at the slow progress, citing persistent road deterioration and unsafe travel conditions.
The Dekina–Ugbabo and Okene-Ajaokuta-Itobe roads are crucial corridors for commerce, linking agricultural zones to markets and industrial hubs.
With the new deadlines in place, stakeholders are hopeful that accelerated execution will restore confidence in federal road projects.
Umahi’s decisive interventions signal a more hands-on approach in ensuring contractors deliver projects within agreed timelines, reflecting a broader push for transparency, efficiency, and accountability in Nigeria’s public infrastructure sector.
The Federal Ministry of Works has assured Nigerians that monitoring mechanisms will be strengthened, with regular site inspections and progress reports to guarantee that projects reflect the value of funds released.