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Works Minister Debunks Bias Claims, Highlights ₦2trn Northern Road Projects Under Renewed Hope Agenda

The Minister of Works, Senator Nweze David Umahi, has officially terminated the contract awarded to Levant Construction Ltd for the reconstruction of Section 1 (Benin-Imasabor) of the Benin-Sapele-Warri Road, citing persistent non-performance and failure to resume work despite several warnings and opportunities for compliance.

Speaking after a key meeting with the Chief Executives of GELD Construction Ltd and SKECC Nigeria Ltd in Abuja, Senator Umahi voiced his strong disapproval of Levant’s actions. He revealed that the contractor had abandoned the project site even after receiving a formal notice that gave them 14 days to return to work. According to him, the road project had been divided into two portions, with Levant assigned to one part while the Edo State Government took responsibility for the remaining 23 kilometers. Umahi noted that the section handled by the state government is progressing well, in contrast to Levant’s complete withdrawal from the project, a development he deemed unacceptable.

As part of the termination process, the Minister instructed the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, to notify the contractor’s bank to recover the Advance Payment Guarantee (APG). Failure to comply, Umahi warned, would result in intervention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

While addressing the issues with Levant, Umahi also expressed satisfaction with GELD Construction Ltd and SKECC Nigeria Ltd for their willingness to recommit to their respective projects. Following negotiations, the Ministry agreed to revise the contract costs to reflect inflation and rising material prices, especially asphalt, which has increased from ₦9,000 to ₦30,000 per square meter. Umahi emphasized the importance of supporting genuine contractors committed to delivering results, even in challenging economic conditions.

The Minister further commended Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for spearheading the construction of three new flyovers and an additional 10 kilometers of reinforced concrete roads. He also praised Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for taking proactive steps in road infrastructure development.

In response to criticisms alleging bias in the distribution of federal road projects, particularly favoring the South, Umahi dismissed such claims as baseless. He reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes equitable infrastructure development across all six geopolitical zones. Umahi stressed that national infrastructure should not be politicized along ethnic or regional lines, stating, “Roads don’t have ethnic identities. Northerners use Southern roads and vice versa.”

To support his statement, Umahi listed multiple high-value projects currently underway in the North, including the ₦777 billion Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road (already 30% paid), the ₦825 billion Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina-Kaduna Superhighway, and the 152km Zaria-Nkru Road. Other major projects include the BUA Tax Credit projects across Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina, the ongoing Kano-Maiduguri Highway upgrades, and the \$1 billion Makurdi-9th Mile-Enugu Road.

He clarified that while projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway have garnered attention due to significant funding, northern roads such as the ₦2 trillion Kebbi dual carriageway and the ₦454 billion Sokoto Road are equally prioritized and constructed with the same high-quality concrete specifications.

Addressing delays on the Eleme-Onne section of the East-West Road, Umahi stated that progress is now evident on the ₦156 billion Tax Credit project. He confirmed that one carriageway is completed, multiple flyovers are under construction, and the Aleto Bridge is progressing, noting that asphalting in sections is a temporary measure to ease traffic, not an indication of halted work.

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