Abuja, April 25, 2024 – The Federal Government has terminated the N121 billion contract for Abuja-Lokoja-Benin expressway.
Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, announced the development during a meeting with the contractors in Abuja.
He, however, offered the original contractors the right of first refusal to sign a new contract. He gave them up till Friday to make their decision.
He said the review of the contract was necessitated by the rise of the initial project cost of N121 billion which had increased to N877 billion.
Umahi said some sections of the road were unsuitable for asphalt and ordered that the new lanes be constructed with concrete.
The minister expressed frustration with contractors who hold multiple contracts without the necessary skills, equipment, or personnel to execute them effectively.
“Enough of playing with the psyche of the people.
“Let us know the equipment on site, the skills, and personnel. No contractor will tell us that it is looking for approval from their head office. They are registered in Nigeria.
“The arrogance of contractors in this country is very insulting.
“In the Ministry of Works, most of the contractors have 17 contracts and they have no equipment to execute them,” he said.
The minister acknowledged the concern of the public on the Abuja-Lokoja-Benin Expressway project which has been delayed for 18 years.
The contract was awarded by the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration. (GBN)
