The Federal Government has taken decisive action against corruption and inefficiency in a major infrastructure project, sanctioning a top official and issuing a stern warning to the contractor involved.
Minister Umahi Cracks Down on Negligence
During an inspection tour of the Maraba–Keffi road project on Friday, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, expressed visible displeasure with the slow pace of work. He blamed both the contractor and supervising ministry officials for what he termed persistent negligence and misconduct.
"The problem is my staff, and today I will set an example," Umahi declared. He immediately ordered the removal and redeployment of the project's Controller of Works, Engr. Yakubu Usman. The minister accused Usman of approving fraudulent certificates for work that was either incomplete or never executed, leading to improper payments to the contractor.
Fresh Ultimatum for Contractor and New Directives
Minister Umahi also turned his attention to the contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company. He issued a fresh ultimatum, ordering the firm to complete and hand over the 43-kilometre road corridor by February 28, 2026.
The minister directed the company to submit a detailed work programme and a written commitment to this deadline by Wednesday of the following week. This action aligns with his earlier announcement that directors would be assigned specific projects to supervise in 2026, with a warning of sanctions for any underperformance.
2026 Declared an "Action Year" for Discipline
Declaring 2026 an "action year," Umahi warned that indiscipline and negligence within the Ministry of Works would no longer be tolerated. "Nobody will be spared. Discipline is our watchword. When action is taken, no amount of pleading will reverse it. I report directly to Mr. President," he stated emphatically.
He stressed that supervising officials must strictly enforce directives, refuse certificates for non-compliance, and promptly report any failures by contractors. The sanctions imposed, including Usman's redeployment, would remain unless reversed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Furthermore, the minister issued on-the-spot technical directives. He ordered the immediate removal of substandard hand-moulded median caps, directing their replacement with concrete medians. He also mandated the installation of solar-powered streetlights along the entire corridor.
The inspection included stopovers at strategic points like the Keffi flyover to assess progress. Consequently, Umahi directed the Permanent Secretary to redeploy Engr. Yakubu Usman immediately and assign a new Controller of Works to oversee the project, emphasizing that officials have the authority to deny certificates and escalate contractor non-compliance.
