The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has issued stern warnings to contractors handling failed federal road projects in Edo State, threatening to revoke contracts of non-performing firms who fail to return to site immediately.

Umahi, who embarked on an inspection tour of federal roads across Edo Central and Edo South Senatorial Districts, said the federal government would no longer tolerate delays, excuses, or substandard work on critical national highways.

He was accompanied by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, during visits to several key road corridors, including Ujuelen, the Ekpoma stretch of the Benin–Auchi–Lokoja Expressway, Egbele in Uromi, sections of the Benin–Asaba Expressway under reconstruction, and the Ewu–Agbor Road.

“Return to Site or Lose Your Contract” — Umahi

Addressing contractors and ministry officials on site, Umahi expressed disappointment over the slow pace of work and neglected palliative repairs, stressing that the welfare of motorists and road users must come first.

“You have to hold me responsible for the heavy traffic on the highways because the President has given every assistance to ensure that the Warri–Abuja corridor is motorable,” Umahi declared.
“The President has directed that no project should stop. If you see any abandoned section, it’s our failure, and we owe Nigerians an apology.”

The minister announced that the completion of one carriageway between Ewu and Agbor would be officially handed over to the Edo State Government for execution, while the Federal Ministry of Works provides the technical design.

“Contractors must get back to site. The President has made funds available to pay them,” he warned.
“I commend those who’ve started work even without mobilization. But if you fail to perform, I will terminate your contract — and you can go ahead to say whatever you like about me. My conscience is before God; I work for God and for the President.”

‘Too Many Jobs, Too Little Capacity’

Umahi lamented that some contractors are overstretched, handling over 25 projects each inherited from past administrations, yet lack the manpower and equipment to deliver quality results.

“These companies hide under excuses like rain or compensation delays, but people are suffering,” he said.
“The President is committed to righting the wrongs of the past. Nigerians deserve roads they can drive on without fear or frustration.”

The minister vowed to redeploy heads of works departments in states where palliative road repairs are neglected or delayed.

Governor Okpebholo Commends Tinubu’s Commitment

In his remarks, Governor Monday Okpebholo applauded President Bola Tinubu’s renewed focus on Edo’s road infrastructure, describing it as evidence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) delivering “real progress” for Nigerians.

“The President’s attention to Edo roads is proof that the APC is a progressive party with tangible results,” the governor said.
“We stand firmly with the President. Our promise of a bloc vote for him in 2027 is non-negotiable.”

Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to partner with the federal government to speed up infrastructure development across the state.

Key Roads Inspected

• Benin–Auchi–Lokoja Expressway (Ekpoma stretch)

• Benin–Asaba Expressway (reconstruction ongoing)

• Ewu–Agbor Road (partial completion handed to Edo Government)

• Ujuelen and Egbele in Uromi (federal palliative sections)