By Dele Anofi,The Nation

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The Federal Government has threatened to invite anti-graft agencies to probe contractors handling sections of the Abuja–Lokoja highway who, despite collecting huge mobilisation funds, have achieved less than 20 percent progress on their projects two years after award.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the move was necessary as President Bola Tinubu had directed that funding must not be allowed to stall the project or delay its completion, but the pace of work so far has been less than impressive.

Umahi stated this during an inspection visit to Obajana, Kogi State, on Saturday, where he expressed deep dissatisfaction with the pace of work, even though the quality of work was excellent.

He warned that contractors who fail to meet agreed deadlines risk facing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

According to Umahi, while the government inherited massive road infrastructure deficits across all regions, the situation on the Abuja–Lokoja route is particularly dire.

“From Abuja to Lokoja is about 230 kilometers each way, meaning 460 kilometers in total.

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“The President has already intervened in over 230 kilometers, but what we met here is frightening. The road is so bad that anywhere you turn to is a priority,” he said.

The Minister, who recalled that some contractors were taken off the project due to non-performance, highlighted that while some of the contractors that took over have shown commendable quality of work, their pace remains unacceptably slow since 2023.

He cited one of the construction companies, which is handling 22 kilometers for ₦20 billion and has completed 15 kilometers, as a positive example.

However, he faulted the other two contractors for failing to justify the funds received, saying, “Some of these projects were awarded in 2023, yet two years later, progress is below 20 percent.

“One contractor with three kilometers has barely done 400 meters. How can we justify that? Our staff in the field should have raised an alarm, and we are going to hold them accountable as well”.

He explained that the rising cost of construction materials, particularly cement now priced at about ₦9,500 per bag, has contributed to challenges but cannot excuse contractors’ failure to mobilize adequately.

“The quality of work is good, but the pace is terrible. If, after being given time, they fail, we will have no choice but to hand the matter to EFCC and ICPC to recover the funds,” he warned.

Umahi emphasised that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has given road and bridge projects top priority despite limited resources and competing national demands.

He acknowledged ongoing interventions by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under tax credit schemes, which also cover parts of the Lokoja–Benin corridor, revealing that President Tinubu has directed that the project must not stall due to funding

While praising some firms for steady progress, the Minister stressed that others must urgently increase manpower and equipment on site to meet the completion timeline.

“We are badly challenged but not giving up. The president inherited frightening infrastructure deficits, but he has prioritized roads knowing that this sector grows the GDP. We will not tolerate inefficiency,” he said.

The Minister, accompanied by his State counterpart, Bello Goronyo and senior technical officials of the Ministry, also inspected bridges in Lokoja and Okene, Kogi State, where he issued marching orders on reinforcement and directed improvements in the pace of work.