The Federal Government has warned the contractor handling the N56 billion Abuja–Lokoja highway project that the contract may be revoked if progress remains slow.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, issued the warning during an inspection of the 53-kilometre section on Saturday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He said the government expects immediate acceleration in the pace of work, stressing that by November, failure to meet targets could lead to reassignment of the project.
“We will agree on milestone completion. If you complete from here to there, you will get paid. For those who cannot meet up, we will divide their jobs and give them to those who can,” Umahi said.
The project, originally designed with asphalt but now using concrete for durability at the same cost, is scheduled for completion by April 2026. Umahi commended the quality of work so far but maintained that the pace must improve. He assured that outstanding payments would be cleared within 30 days to encourage faster delivery.
He also noted that another 86-kilometre section of the highway is being procured, and the current contractor could be considered if performance improves.
Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, emphasized that the Abuja–Lokoja highway is one of the administration’s priority projects, adding that funding is available and no excuses would be accepted.
In March, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved N733 billion for major road projects across the country, including the Abuja–Lokoja section, the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano road (N507bn), Ibadan–Ilorin Section 2 (N147bn), Odupani–Itu–Idedem Item road (N55bn), and a flyover at Abakpa, Enugu (N24bn).
