GOVT TO TERMINATE ALL NON-PERFORMING CONTRACTS, USING DUE PROCESS.... UMAHI WARNS

Engr. David Umahi
Minister for Works

"Some contractors have formed the habit of staying on projects for years and then requesting for augmentation on their projects, which will not allow the projects to be completed because of the paucity of funds." Umahi.

"Going forward, we will follow due process to terminate all non-performing contracts nationwide.

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr David Nweze Umahi has expressed his disappointment over the failure of the contractor handling the ongoing Port Harcourt-Aba road project, (Km 206+600-km 205+500), Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Company, (CCECC) Ltd to go back to site, despite his directive since four weeks ago when he paid an inspection visit to the project site.

A statement by his Adviser on Media, Barr Orji Uchenna Orji and made available to journalists in Abuja revealed that the Minister paid a visit to the project site on Sunday, 18th February 2024.

"The Honourable Minister, who was in the company of the Acting Controller of Rivers and Abia States, has therefore directed the Acting Controller of Rivers State to follow due process and issue a 14 days Termination Notice to the contractor. It is his further directive that the failure of the contractor to mobilize adequately to the site within the period  of the 14 days Notice, the contract shall be terminated." The statement read.

The statement further disclosed that "the Honourable Minister also observed that part of the reason for the escalation of contract cost of the road projects is the delay of project execution by the contractors. 

"Some contractors have formed the habit of staying on projects for years and then requesting for augmentation on their projects, which will not allow the projects to be completed because of the paucity of funds.

"The Minister of Works will, going forward, follow due process to terminate all non-performing contracts nationwide. 

"Contractors are therefore warned to change their tactics and know that the Federal Government means business in her determination to alleviate the problems of Nigerians as occasioned by bad roads." 

The statement further stated that, "It is heartwarming to note that the President  of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has been going beyond limits in funding road projects nationwide, and the Ministry of Works has vowed to support his selfless efforts to restore the confidence of Nigerians in our roads infrastructure.

"The Honourable Minister is unwavering  in this commitment." The statement concluded.