By Unue Emeka,
The Delta State Government has issued a stern warning to contractors handling road projects in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, directing them to accelerate work and maintain high construction standards or face possible contract revocation.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, gave the warning during an inspection tour of several ongoing road projects in the council area. He was accompanied by the Member representing Ndokwa West State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Charles Emetulu, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Festus Ahon, Director of Rural Roads, Solomon Akpotowho, and the Technical Assistant to the Governor, Bob Nakpodia.
Aniagwu stressed that the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori would not tolerate unnecessary delays or substandard jobs, insisting that contractors must strictly adhere to project timelines and the technical specifications outlined in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME).
According to him, the inspection was part of government efforts to ensure that ongoing infrastructure projects meet required standards and are delivered on schedule.
“We are doing these roads across the 25 local government areas of the state to open up rural communities and connect them with the cities so that life can be more livable for our people,” Aniagwu said.
“Our coming here is to ensure that contractors meet their schedule of work and also comply with the specifications contained in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation.”
During the tour, the commissioner inspected four major projects: the Etua-Ukpo/Etua-Etiti/Etua-Oliogo Road with a spur to Etua-Etiti, the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road (Phase 1), the Eweshi–Utagba-Uno Road, and the Inam-Abbi Access Road.
Aniagwu commended the contractor handling the Etua road project, Chioino Global Ventures, for the pace and quality of work, noting that the project had recorded significant progress within a short period.
“I must commend the contractor because in less than one month, we can see that they are moving with speed. The quality of work is also encouraging,” he said.
The project, awarded on February 13, 2026, at a cost of about ₦4.86 billion, covers 8.367 kilometres. Site clearance and earthworks have already been completed, while drainage construction has progressed to about 1,300 metres.
However, the commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on some other projects, particularly the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road (Phase 1), which was originally scheduled for completion in October 2025.
He directed the contractor to complete the project within the next one and a half months, warning that the government would not hesitate to take decisive action if progress does not improve.
Aniagwu also criticised the slow pace of work on the Eweshi–Utagba-Uno Road, valued at ₦5.04 billion and initially slated for completion in March 2026.
“If the contractors do not change the trajectory of their movement within the next month, we will take actions, including revocation and re-awarding of the contracts. No contractor will hold the government to ransom,” he warned.
He emphasised that the state government has consistently met its financial obligations to contractors, revealing that 40 percent mobilization is paid once contracts are awarded and that payment certificates are honoured promptly once submitted.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori pays as soon as certificates are raised, and contractors are mobilised with 40 percent of the contract sum. Therefore, the speed we expect from contractors cannot be compromised,” Aniagwu added.
The commissioner also cautioned officials of the Ministry of Works and other relevant ministries against certifying jobs that have not been executed, stressing that any officer found culpable would be required to refund the money and could face dismissal.
Speaking during the inspection, Hon. Charles Emetulu commended Governor Oborevwori for approving multiple infrastructure projects in Ndokwa West, noting that the roads would significantly improve access to communities and boost economic activities.
“This particular road is very dear to me because it is my community, and the people have never seen a road like this before. We promised them during the campaigns, and it is important that the project is delivered on time,” Emetulu said.
When completed, the road projects are expected to enhance connectivity, ease transportation and stimulate economic growth across communities in Ndokwa West Local Government Area.
