The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has issued a stern warning to contractors handling federal road projects in Edo State, urging them to speed up work or risk immediate revocation of their contracts.

Umahi gave the warning during an inspection tour of key federal road projects in the state, accompanied by Governor Monday Okpebholo and senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Works.

🛣️ Focus on Benin–Ekpoma–Auchi Expressway

The inspection team visited the Ekpoma section of the Benin–Ekpoma–Auchi Expressway, a crucial transportation corridor linking Edo State to the northern parts of Nigeria.

While commending a few contractors for maintaining project quality and speed, Umahi expressed displeasure over the slow pace of work and poor performance observed in some sections of the project.

“We will not tolerate delay or substandard work. Contractors who fail to meet the project specifications or timelines will have their contracts revoked immediately,” the Minister warned.

He emphasized that the Ministry is committed to ensuring that every federal road under construction meets the standards set by the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

🤝 Governor Okpebholo Appreciates Tinubu’s Support

Governor Monday Okpebholo thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ministry of Works for their commitment to improving federal roads in Edo State.

He highlighted that his administration had already embarked on intervention works on several federal roads to ease the suffering of motorists.

“We cannot wait for bureaucracy when our people are suffering. We are grateful to Mr. President for supporting us, and to the Minister for being hands-on,” Okpebholo said.

🏗️ Ewu–Agbor Road Handed Over to Edo State

During the visit, Minister Umahi formally handed over the Ewu–Agbor carriageway to the Edo State Government for immediate execution under a state–federal collaboration framework.

He commended the state government for its proactive approach, noting that the handover would ensure faster delivery and better quality assurance.

🚦 Other Project Sites Visited

The inspection tour also covered other major projects including:

• The Benin–Asaba Expressway, where work is ongoing in multiple sections; and

• The signature flyover project at Ramat Park, Benin City — a key urban infrastructure upgrade aimed at easing traffic congestion.

Umahi reaffirmed that the Ministry will maintain strict supervision and accountability to ensure Nigerian taxpayers get full value for money.