The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has cancelled the contract awarded to Levant Construction Ltd for the construction of Section 1 of the Benin-Sapele-Warri road, citing poor performance.
Speaking on Tuesday, Umahi said the decision followed repeated warnings that were ignored by the contractor. The project was part of the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.
“Despite warnings and notices, Levant Construction Ltd failed to respond,” Umahi said. “I have directed the Permanent Secretary to properly end the contract and send a letter for joint measurement. We will also demand repayment of the APG. If needed, we will involve the EFCC.”
Umahi made the statement during a meeting with the heads of GELD Construction Ltd and SKECC Nigeria Ltd, who are also handling different parts of the road project.
While expressing disappointment with Levant, the minister praised SKECC Nigeria Ltd and GELD Construction Ltd for showing commitment to improving their pace of work.
“I am satisfied with the outcome of discussions with SKECC Nigeria Ltd and Geld Construction Ltd,” Umahi said. “They have agreed to step up work on their sections. I also thank the Governors of Delta and Edo States for their support and intervention on some parts of the road.”
Addressing claims that some regions are being sidelined in road projects, Umahi said such accusations are false.
“I want to assure Nigerians that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration is committed to fair development across all six geo-political zones,” he said. “Many road projects are ongoing in the North, like the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road, Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina-Kaduna road, and the Kano Northern Bypass.”
He added that 52 percent of the president’s major road projects are in the North, while 48 percent are in the South.
“We must see all projects as national efforts that will benefit the entire country,” he said. “I remain committed to building trust in our road infrastructure and showing the real change the Renewed Hope agenda is bringing.”
