Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has warned contractors handling federal road projects that they could face investigation by anti-corruption agencies if they fail to meet their contractual obligations.
Mr Umahi said contractors whose projects remain stalled or progress at an unacceptable pace would be given deadlines to improve before the Federal Government considers referring them to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The minister has repeatedly criticised delays in the execution of federal road projects, arguing that slow progress undermines the government’s infrastructure programme.
During an earlier inspection of the Abuja-Lokoja road, Mr Umahi said three contractors working on sections of the highway had recorded completion levels below expectations despite contracts having been awarded since 2023.
He said the contractors would first be summoned and given timelines in line with their contractual agreements. Failure to meet those deadlines, he warned, could lead to the recovery of government funds through the relevant authorities.
“The three jobs we gave out in 2023, they may be facing the EFCC,” Mr Umahi said during the inspection. (Vanguard News)
“It’s when they come, we give them a timeline within the law, in line with the agreement and if they fail, then we have no more choice than to hand over to the EFCC and ICPC to recover the funds.”
Mr Umahi has also called for greater scrutiny of projects being executed under the Works Ministry, saying contractors must deliver according to agreed specifications, timelines and standards.
In June, he warned contractors working on federal roads that quality could not be compromised, while urging them to communicate promptly with the ministry whenever they encountered challenges affecting project delivery. (Federal Ministry of Works)
The minister has previously invited the EFCC and ICPC to scrutinise contracts and projects under his ministry, saying the move was intended to strengthen transparency and accountability. (Vanguard News)
The latest warning comes as the Federal Government faces pressure to accelerate the completion of major road projects across the country.
Mr Umahi has acknowledged that funding constraints and the scale of inherited infrastructure challenges have affected some projects, but insists contractors must fulfil their obligations and deliver value for public funds.
The minister’s position is that contractors who fail to perform after being given opportunities to remedy delays could face sanctions, including possible referral to anti-corruption agencies.
