Federal Government expressed concern yesterday about the country’s road construction status. Alarmingly, over the past decade, less than five percent of new equipment made its way into Nigeria.

Speaking to local and foreign contractors in Abuja, Works Minister, Engineer Dave Umahi, raised questions about the quality of their work, given the outdated equipment at their disposal.

Umahi disclosed his conversation with the internal affairs department, revealing that the last 10 years saw minimal equipment import. He posed a challenging question to the contractors, “With such scanty equipment upgrades, how do you manage to complete all these numerous assignments?”

He relayed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to approve an additional 60 road projects. Yet, he emphasized that only those contractors who complete their ongoing tasks will be eligible for these new contracts.

Drawing attention to a new era of efficiency, Umahi stated, “Long gone are the days when a project dragged on for almost two decades. Such an approach is detrimental to both contractors and the nation, especially considering current inflation rates.”

On a stern note, the minister warned contractors against conspiring against him. Umahi said he stays informed about every meeting and no amount of resistance will deter him from upholding the Ministry of Works’ principles and policies.

Umahi firmly stated, “Our aim is to renew our people’s hopes. If you find our offer unsatisfactory, you’re free to walk away. But you can’t persistently demand your way, especially when we lack the means to meet your expectations. My constant focus remains on the job.”

Highlighting the pressing need for action, Umahi issued a 14-day ultimatum for contractors to commence work or face contract termination. He urged contractors to prioritize quality and long-lasting work over temporary solutions.

“Every returning contractor must provide us with a detailed work plan. Absence of such a plan will halt any certificate processing. If any contractual details change, inform us. Without following these protocols, we won’t release payments,” he instructed.

He ended with a clear warning: after the 14-day deadline, local contractors will take over the pending tasks. Any company holding onto four projects with the Ministry of Works will not receive further contracts until they complete the current ones.