Nigeria Minister orders arrest of contractor over road project delays

Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, has initiated several punitive measures against contractors following significant delays and poor performance on major road projects.

Umahi ordered the arrest of the Managing Director of Hartland Nigeria Limited regarding the 11-kilometre Asaba-Onitsha road project. Despite receiving approximately N14 billion, the firm has reportedly completed only 40 per cent of the agreed scope. The Minister has also directed the recovery of funds and a comprehensive audit of the company's payment certificates.

Regarding the Benin-Asaba Expressway, the Minister has appealed to the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) to allow the Federal Government to terminate their agreement and engage a more competent contractor due to technical incapacity and poor project handling.

Additionally, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has been given a 14-day ultimatum to repair damaged sections of the Benin-Asaba Highway, specifically service lanes and critical stretches near the Second Niger Bridge, to alleviate severe traffic congestion and hardship for motorists.