The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the slow progress on the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project, particularly in the sections through Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. He has issued a one-week ultimatum to the contractors to return to the site or face contract termination.
During a meeting in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, with representatives from Julius Berger and China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC), the minister criticized the lack of progress on the Eleme to Onne port city section in Rivers State. Raynoids Construction Company (RCC) has been given two weeks to mobilize to the site or risk having their contract terminated as well.
The stakeholders’ meeting focused on the alignment of phases 3b and 4 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and took place at Ibom Hall, along IBB Way in Uyo. Minister Umahi expressed disappointment over the contractors citing non-payment of compensation as an excuse for delays. He noted that the Akwa Ibom State government had already resolved compensation issues related to the Calabar-Itu highway.
“If you talk to them, they would say it is because of compensation, and this governor, Akwa Ibom State, had settled compensation issues. So, we are giving a marching order to CCECC to mobilize at least three sections of that road,” said Umahi. He emphasized that the federal government has allocated sufficient funds for the projects. “The same thing with Julius Berger. By the end of this coming week, if Julius Berger fails to remobilize to the site and the CCECC fails to mobilize to the sections of the road, the jobs will be terminated,” he added.
Umahi highlighted the dire state of the roads from Akwa Ibom to Cross River through Itu and Odukpani, which are being handled by RCC. Despite RCC having collected over N40 billion for 15 kilometers of roads, inherited from the previous administration at a cost of N156 billion, they have been accused of stalling the project.
“We have been urging them to change their mindset. By the end of next week, our 14-day notice of termination of contract will elapse, and we will terminate the projects and reassign them to contractors who are adept at laying concrete,” Umahi warned.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged the state governor, Umo Eno, and all stakeholders to fully cooperate with the contractors once the project resumes.