Umahi’s Ultimatum: Revoking Multi-Billion Naira Road Project in Edo

The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has threatened to terminate the multi-billion naira Benin-Warri Road reconstruction project if the contractor, Levant Construction Company, fails to comply strictly with the scope and specification of the work.

The ultimatum comes after Umahi expressed dissatisfaction with the work during an inspection tour of federal roads across the country.

Umahi, the former governor of Ebony State, was received by officials from the Federal Ministry Works in Benin City and the Edo State Ministry of Road and Bridges.

After inspecting the Benin–Ologbo axis of the road, he lamented that contractors in the country were playing politics with Nigerians and warned that he would not tolerate such under his watch.

The minister ordered that a warning letter be issued to the contractors on Monday and, if after 14 days they fail to comply, he would personally terminate the job.

Umahi emphasized that contractors in Nigeria were taking advantage of the situation and playing politics with the lives of Nigerians.

He vowed to put an end to this behavior and not tolerate it under his leadership.

Umahi’s frustration stems from the fact that the government has paid a substantial amount of money to the contractor for the project, but the work has not been carried out to the required standard.

He also mentioned that the government would not pay any variation on price (VOP) for the amount already paid, as this was a major problem with Levant and other contractors in the country.

The minister continued his inspection of the Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi-Abuja expressway to assess the progress of other federal road projects in the region.

s Umahi and his team work to improve the country’s infrastructure, they remain committed to ensuring that contractors adhere to the highest standards and deliver quality work that will benefit the citizens of Nigeria.