Minister Umahi warns contractors on Edo federal roads rehabilitation, threatens contract revocation as Governor Okpebholo pledges Edo State’s full support.
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has issued a stern warning to contractors handling Edo federal roads rehabilitation, cautioning that failure to return to site and deliver quality work will lead to contract termination.
He stressed that excuses of poor funding or adverse weather conditions would no longer be tolerated, as the Federal Government has provided adequate resources to ensure work continues without interruption.
Umahi, during his inspection tour of major roads in Edo Central and Edo South Senatorial Districts, explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has released funds for these projects and instructed that no rehabilitation work must be abandoned.
According to him, excuses often presented by contractors are unacceptable in light of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure development.
Accompanied by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, the minister visited critical sites such as Ujuelen, the Ekpoma stretch of the Benin–Auchi–Lokoja Expressway, Egbele in Uromi, the ongoing reconstruction of the Benin–Asaba Expressway, and the Ewu–Agbor road.
In a significant move, Umahi officially handed over the responsibility for completing one carriageway of the Ewu–Agbor road to the Edo State Government.
While the Federal Ministry of Works will provide designs and supervision, the state government will handle execution to accelerate completion. This step, he said, would reduce the hardship currently faced by motorists.
The minister also directed stern words at officials of the Ministry of Works. He announced that state heads who neglect palliative road repairs would be immediately redeployed. For Umahi, easing the suffering of commuters must be the top priority.
“You must hold me responsible for the traffic congestion along these highways,” Umahi said.
“The President has given us every assistance. Contractors have been asked to return to site, and money is available to pay them. If anyone abandons work, their contract will be terminated. My conscience is clear before God and Nigerians.”
Umahi criticized some contractors who, despite holding more than 25 road contracts, lack the equipment or manpower to deliver. Many of these contracts were inherited from the previous administration.
He accused such companies of engaging in “economic politics,” using rainfall or compensation disputes as excuses for delay while road users continue to suffer.
“One of our greatest problems is companies taking more jobs than they can handle. The people are suffering, and this will no longer be tolerated,” the minister declared.
“The President is determined to correct the failures of the past, and Edo federal roads rehabilitation is one of the top priorities.”
The Works Minister emphasized his dedication to serving both God and Nigerians. He explained that his resolve to terminate non-performing contracts is rooted in accountability.
“When you are doing the right thing, attacks will come. But God will always be with you,” he said.
Governor Monday Okpebholo expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for making Edo’s road network a priority.
He recalled that in the past, signs would be placed on damaged highways stating “please bear with us, this is a federal road,” which left citizens helpless.
“Edo people use these roads every day, and we cannot abandon them,” the governor said.
“President Tinubu has changed the narrative. Our people are grateful for this renewed commitment to Edo federal roads rehabilitation.”
Okpebholo further emphasized that Edo residents have shown their support for the APC in recent by-elections, rejecting the opposition PDP in favor of progress.
Governor Okpebholo assured that Edo State would deliver a bloc vote for President Tinubu in 2027, describing this support as “non-negotiable.”
He hailed the APC as a progressive party delivering visible results, contrasting it with the failures of past administrations.
“What our government is doing is clear to all. Edo federal roads rehabilitation is proof of the difference APC governance is making, and we will stand firmly with the President in the coming years,” the governor stated.
The rehabilitation of Edo’s federal roads is not only a state concern but also a national economic priority.
Highways like the Benin–Auchi–Lokoja Expressway and the Benin–Asaba Expressway are vital trade and travel corridors, connecting southern and northern Nigeria. Their poor condition has long disrupted trade, transport, and logistics.
Umahi stressed that successful rehabilitation would reduce travel times, improve safety, support local businesses, and advance Tinubu’s infrastructure agenda.
By improving these routes, the administration seeks to enhance commerce and national integration.
With the close collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Works and the Edo State Government, residents can expect significant improvements in coming months.
Umahi’s hardline stance is expected to push contractors back to site, while the state government’s direct involvement will speed up execution.
The people of Edo are hopeful that the promises of progress will finally translate into durable roads that support both daily life and the economy.
For them, the success of Edo federal roads rehabilitation will serve as a test case for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Okpebholo’s leadership.
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