Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has ordered the issuance of a 14-day termination notice to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, citing substandard work and the near-collapse of the Port Harcourt–Aba Road.
During an inspection of federal road projects in Rivers State, Umahi expressed serious concern over the poor state of the 43-kilometre dual carriageway. He described the condition of the road, currently being handled by CCECC, as unacceptable and warned of far-reaching consequences if immediate remedial action is not taken.
Standing on a visibly failing section of the road, the Minister did not hide his frustration, blaming the contractor for ignoring engineering standards despite repeated warnings from the ministry. The project, which was inherited from the previous administration, has now, according to Umahi, become a national embarrassment.
“We are at the Port Harcourt-bound Aba route being constructed by CCECC, which is on the verge of total collapse,” Umahi stated.
He said the company would be required to fix the defects at its own expense or risk having all its current contracts across Nigeria terminated.
“I will direct the Ministry to scout for very competent indigenous contractors to handle the Port Harcourt-bound lane,” he said. “If CCECC fails to mill out the defective binder and replace it, they will face sanctions, including the termination of all their contracts nationwide.”
Umahi also announced plans to release the full documentation of all correspondences between the ministry and the construction firm. This, he said, would promote transparency and show the public that due process was followed in holding the contractor accountable.
Stressing that the government will not tolerate any attempts to derail President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s infrastructure renewal plans, Umahi directed the Federal Controller of Works in Rivers State to serve a formal termination notice — along with all documented warnings — to CCECC’s head office before Wednesday.
