Umahi Threatens To Delist Road Contractors Over Non-Compliance

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has threatened to delist contractors who fail to comply with federal government construction guidelines on road projects across the country.

He also warned that ministry officials who fail to enforce compliance would be removed or redeployed.

Umahi issued the warning on Saturday during an inspection of the Mararaba–Keffi road project.

He said the federal government would begin a cleanup of non-performing contractors from next week.

“From next week, we are going to weed out contractors—whether indigenous or expatriate—who are not committed. Some of them have up to 25 jobs awarded before we came on board. If you are not ready to invest while awaiting federal government payments, then you are not part of the progress of this country,” he said.

He added that contractors who only depend on advance payments before mobilising to site would be removed, noting that some had benefitted from government jobs for over 30 years without adequate performance.

Umahi, however, commended JRB Construction Company for its quality of work and commitment to road infrastructure development despite funding challenges.

“I declare JRB as the best indigenous contractor because of the quality of work he does, the amount of equipment he has, and his partnership with the Federal Government,” he said.

He explained that the contractor was selected for intervention works when funding delays slowed down the dual carriageway project and immediately mobilised without receiving advance payment.

“Where we are facing challenges is identifying true partners in progress. JRB, I commend you,” he added.

Also speaking, the chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akintola Alabi, criticised some foreign contractors for collecting mobilisation fees without moving to site.

He commended JRB for demonstrating that Nigerian contractors can deliver quality infrastructure projects.

“There are some contractors from abroad who collect mobilisation and go back without working, then return for variations. But you are different. You continue working because you understand this is your country,” he said.

He further praised the contractor for his consistency and contribution to national infrastructure development.