Minister of Works orders arrest of contractor over Benin-Onitsha road delays

The directive came during an inspection of the Summit Junction-to-Head Bridge section of the Benin-Onitsha Expressway. Umahi expressed frustration over severe traffic congestion caused by the slow progress, stating that the Federal Government paid the company to complete 11 kilometers of road, including channelization and hydraulic structures, but only about 40 percent of the agreed scope was executed. The Minister instructed ministry directors to recover funds, review all payment certificates issued to the contractor, and deploy stone base immediately to fill critical sections and ease traffic.

He also warned Federal Controllers of Works against allowing project sites to deteriorate and ordered the immediate arrest of individuals involved in illegal dredging and contractors failing to construct proper side drainages, which leads to erosion.