Umahi said the decision followed repeated warnings to the contractor over persistent poor construction methods that have left sections of the road at risk of collapse despite large sums already expended. The minister said the site—particularly the Aba-bound carriageway—was “at the verge of total collapse.”
The project, which the ministry described as an inherited job, had seen CCECC apply binder over long stretches without laying proper wearing courses or completing shoulders. Umahi said the ministry had issued more than 20 warnings and that the contractor failed to correct the defects.
He ordered immediate issuance of a 14-day termination notice and directed that CCECC must mill out and replace the defective binder—at its own cost—because the government had already paid for the work. Umahi warned that failure to comply would lead to the shutdown of all CCECC projects in Nigeria.
“We will scout for very qualified indigenous contractors to take over the Port Harcourt-bound carriageway and start work immediately,” he said, adding that funds would be sourced to complete the job.
The minister also vowed to publish all warnings previously issued to the contractor and said legal and administrative sanctions would follow if CCECC fails to remedy the situation. He warned that continued neglect could lead to accidents and fatalities, and pledged to hold those responsible to account.
The ministry said it would now engage competent local firms to complete the road to acceptable standards and ensure public safety.
