Umahi Sanctions Federal Controller of Works Over Non-compliance To Directives ..... Says 2026 Is For Action, Words

Engr David Umahi 

"Ministry officials supervising projects have the authority to enforce ministerial directives and should escalate any contractor’s non-compliance to higher authorities without delay, including denial of certificates where necessary." Umahi

Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi on Friday in Abuja, sanctioned some senior officials of the Ministry over delays and alleged misconduct in the execution of the Mararaba–Keffi expressway project.

The Minister, during his inspection visit to the road ordered the immediate removal of the Controller of Works assigned to the project, FCT, Engr. Yakubu Usman.

Umahi, who was obviously dissatisfied with the actions of the FCW, FCT, also issued a firm deadline of Feb. 28 for the completion and handover of the 43-kilometre Mararaba–Keffi corridor, by the contractor handling the project; China Harbour Engineering Company.

He accused the affected official of approving certificates for palliative works that were either not executed or left incomplete.

He thereafter, directed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry to redeploy the affected officer and assign another Controller to take over the project with immediate effect.

Following the removal of Engr. Yakubu Usman, he immediately redeployed the Director, Highways, Special Projects, Engr. Olufemi Adetunji to the Mararraba - Keffi project who will resume by Monday.

Engr. Umahi warned that the Ministry would no longer condone such acts, stressing that the year 2026 is not for words but action. “Nobody will be spared", he stated.

“Discipline is our watchword. Diligence is our watchword. Doing the work we are paid to do is our watchword.

“When action is taken, no amount of pleading will reverse it. I report directly to Mr. President.”

Umahi explained that officials of the Ministry supervising projects have the authority to enforce ministerial directives and should escalate any contractor’s non-compliance to higher authorities without delay, including denial of certificates where necessary.

He also instructed the company handling the Mararaba-Keffi road to submit a detailed work timetable and a written commitment confirming its readiness to meet the February deadline.

Engr. Umahi gave a directive for the immediate removal of hand-moulded caps along the road, instructing that concreting of the median should begin without further delay, alongside the installation of solar-powered streetlights across the entire stretch.

Umahi expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work and attributed the persistent lapses not only to the contractor but also to negligence by officials of the Ministry of Works assigned to supervise the project.

“I am giving you the end of February to hand over this job. You must come to my office on Wednesday with your timetable and a commitment to complete the project by then.

“I have been here more than eight times. Now the problem is my staff, and today I will set an example of what 2026 will be like.”

The minister called on contractors and ministry staff to discharge their responsibilities diligently in the interest of Nigerians.

He said that sanctions imposed on erring officers would stand unless reversed by the President.

 Not a Director but FCW, FCT, Engr. Yakubu Usman