Dave Umahi, Threatens Underperforming Road Contractors with EFCC, ICPC Sanctions

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has issued a stern warning to contractors handling federal road projects, demanding they meet agreed timelines or face investigation by anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Umahi delivered the warning on Saturday during an inspection tour of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano expressway and the Abuja–Lokoja highway.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on several sections of the Abuja–Lokoja road, revealing that some contractors who had already received mobilisation funds had achieved less than 20% project completion.

“I will not hesitate to invite the EFCC and ICPC to probe contractors who have taken funds but failed to deliver. This level of progress is unacceptable,” Umahi said.

On the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano road, the Minister confirmed that President Bola Tinubu had been briefed and that the expected completion timeline for Sections 1 and 3 is 14 months. These sections, covering a total of 118 kilometres, were awarded at a cost of ₦252 billion.

Regarding the Abuja–Lokoja road, Umahi stated that the total project length is approximately 230 kilometres per lane—460 kilometres in total.

He issued a clear ultimatum to the contractors working on the Abuja–Lokoja stretch: “If substantial progress is not made by November, the contract will be terminated.”

The Minister emphasized that accountability, timely delivery, and value for money are non-negotiable under the current administration’s infrastructure agenda.