Umahi calls for arrest of contractor over incomplete 14 billion naira road project

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Minister of Works David Umahi directed security agencies to arrest the managing director of Hartland Nigeria Limited following the company’s failure to complete an 11-kilometre section of the Benin-Onitsha Expressway. Although the federal government paid the firm 14 billion naira for the project, including road construction and hydraulic structures, Umahi stated that only 40 per cent of the work was completed. The minister described the current state of the road as "wickedness" due to severe traffic congestion and damage along the Agbor-Asaba-Onitsha corridor. Consequently, Umahi ordered a review of all payment records and certificates for Hartland Nigeria Limited across its federal projects.

Consequences

The federal government will likely initiate sanctions against Hartland Nigeria Limited following the requested audit of their payment history. Additionally, the Ministry of Works is expected to increase oversight on the Benin-Asaba highway corridor, including immediate emergency interventions to address road deterioration and the repair of vandalized infrastructure on the Second Niger Bridge.

Sources

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