Federal government has given an ultimatum to contractors handling 10 inherited projects in Niger State and constituted a committee for final accounts and termination of the contracts for lacking merit.
The minister of works Engr. David Umahi issued the directive after a meeting with Niger State stakeholders and contractors in Abuja on Wednesday.
The minister in a statement by his special adviser, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, asked them to move to site without further delay and ensure quality and speedy delivery of the projects they contracted to do or risk termination of such contracts.
According to the statement, the minister expressed displeasure with the attitude of some contractors who received advance payment but failed or neglected to do the job, thereby causing untold hardship for road users.
He warned of consequences for contractors who collect money for projects but delay or do sub-standard jobs or lack capacity to deliver the projects in line with the policy direction of the current administration which emphasises speed, quality and value for money.
He listed the 10 inherited ongoing federal road projects as 52km Agaje-Katcha-Baro road in Niger State under Contract No: 6254 handled by GR Building and Construction Nig. Ltd, dualization of Suleja – Lambata – Minna Road, Phase I in Niger State Contract No: 6077 handled by Salini Nigeria Ltd, dualization of Suleja – Lambata – Minna Road, Phase II in Niger State Contract No: 6267 handled by Salini Nigeria Ltd, dualization of Ilorin, Jebba – Mokwa – Bokani Junction Road Section 1; Jebba – Mokwa – Bokani Junction in Kwara and Niger States handled by CGC Nig. Ltd, dualization of Ilorin, Jebba – Mokwa – Bokani Junction Road Section II; Jebba – Mokwa – Bokani Junction in Kwara and Niger States handled by CGC Nig. Ltd, reconstruction of Bida – Lapai – Lambatta Road in Niger State Contract No: 6272 handled by CGC Nig. Ltd, rehabilitation of Mokwa – Makera – Tegina – Kaduna State handled by CGC Nig. Ltd, rehabilitation of Minna – Zungeru – Tegina – Kontagora Road in Niger State (Section 2) handled by Gilmor Engineering Nig Ltd, construction of Minna – Zungeru – Tegina Road in Niger State Contract No: 7732 handled by Develeco Nig Ltd/HMF Construction Ltd, reconstruction of Bida – Cernu – Wushishi – Zungeru Road in Niger State; Phase I C/No 8492 handled by Gerawa Global Engineering Ltd.
In his remarks, the governor of Niger State Umar Bago, expressed concern with the failure of contractors to live up to expectations on jobs awarded to them, saying that had adversely affected the socio-economic condition of the state and was adding impetus to the security challenges.
He called for the revocation of the contract handled by Salini Nig. Ltd which was awarded since 2010 for lack of capacity.
