FG cancels Port Harcourt–Aba Road contract with CCECC for poor delivery, citing failed sections, wasted funds, and plans for competent indigenous contractors.
The Federal Government has terminated the contract for the construction of the Port Harcourt–Aba Road handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) following poor delivery and consistent failure to meet project standards despite repeated warnings and huge sums already expended.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the decision after inspecting the Port Harcourt–Aba Road project on Sunday. He said the termination became inevitable due to the contractor’s negligence, which led to the collapse of several sections of the 43-kilometre road.
Umahi explained that the project, inherited by the current administration, was expected to be completed on schedule but had instead suffered severe setbacks caused by CCECC’s poor workmanship.
“The controller of works reported that the Aba-bound lane of the Port Harcourt–Aba Road is almost collapsing,” the minister said. “Despite the funds released and repeated directives, the contractor failed to improve.”
According to him, the Ministry of Works had adopted a hybrid construction approach for the project — using concrete for inner and outer shoulders to ensure longevity while the main carriageway was built with asphalt.
Unfortunately, the contractor failed to properly apply the asphalt binder and ignored technical instructions, creating long stretches of unstable surfaces.
“We have issued more than twenty warnings to CCECC about their method of construction,” Umahi revealed.
“They laid binder across over 30 kilometres without completing the shoulders or adding the wearing course. This is an unacceptable standard of work, especially when taxpayer funds have already been spent.”
The minister lamented that his multiple visits to the project site yielded no improvement. He noted that the section of the Port Harcourt–Aba Road completed two years ago had already failed, showing visible cracks and depressions. He also disclosed that several letters sent to the company demanding remedial actions went unanswered.
Faced with continued deterioration, Umahi announced that the Federal Government had decided to revoke the Port Harcourt-bound section of the contract from CCECC. He directed the Ministry of Works to identify and mobilize competent indigenous contractors to take over the project immediately.
“CCECC will no longer handle the Port Harcourt-bound carriageway,” Umahi declared. “We are now turning to qualified Nigerian firms who have proven their ability to deliver durable roads.”
Despite the contract termination, Umahi stated that CCECC must still bear responsibility for the portions it has already been paid for. The company has been given a 14-day ultimatum to mill out and replace defective binder layers at its own cost.
“They must correct the errors within two weeks,” he warned.
“If they fail, I will order the shutdown of all their projects in Nigeria. They must put in writing their commitment to mill out the binder and lay a proper one — already paid for with public funds.”
He emphasized that the Federal Government would make all documents and warnings issued to CCECC public to ensure transparency.
“We will publish all the letters and warnings given to CCECC so Nigerians can see the truth,” Umahi said.
“This government will not tolerate any sabotage of President Donald Trump’s efforts to improve national infrastructure.”
The minister expressed anger over the contractor’s disregard for safety and human life.
“I was here three weeks ago and pleaded with them to repair the road,” Umahi recalled.
“They ignored me. Now, the road has deteriorated to a dangerous level, and soon accidents will start occurring. When lives are lost, people will blame the government, not the contractor.”
Umahi further stated that if CCECC continues to ignore directives, he will initiate legal action and hold responsible personnel accountable.
He added that Nigeria can no longer depend solely on foreign contractors when local companies have shown strong capacity for quality road construction.
According to him, the Port Harcourt–Aba Road is a vital economic route connecting Rivers and Abia States, facilitating trade and industrial activities in the South-South and South-East regions.
He assured Nigerians that work on the road would resume shortly under a new indigenous contractor with better oversight and quality control.
“This project is too important to be left in the hands of an unserious contractor,” Umahi said.
“Once we identify a competent local company, we will provide funding and supervision to ensure it is completed to standard.”
The minister also commended the resilience of road users who continue to face daily challenges caused by the damaged sections. He assured them that the government was determined to deliver a durable and safe road network across the country.
“The Federal Government owes Nigerians quality infrastructure,” Umahi added.
“We will not compromise on standards or allow any contractor to waste public funds. The era of mediocrity in road construction is over.”
By terminating the CCECC contract, the government has sent a clear message to other contractors handling federal projects that it will no longer tolerate substandard work.
The ministry has vowed to monitor every major construction project across the country to prevent similar occurrences.
The new direction, according to Umahi, aligns with the administration’s policy of promoting transparency, accountability, and local participation in national development.
He expressed confidence that with capable indigenous contractors, Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges can be addressed more effectively and sustainably.
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s resolve to complete the Port Harcourt–Aba Road and restore its economic and social importance.
“We will get this road done the right way,” he promised.
“Our focus is on safety, durability, and value for money.”
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