Umahi fires contractor over delay on Calabar-Itu road

The Federal Ministry of Works has announced the immediate termination of the contract awarded to Messrs Raycon and Company (Nigeria) Limited for a 9.7-kilometre section of the Calabar–Odukpani–Itu road.

This was contained in a press release by the ministry.

According to the release, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, took the decision during an inspection visit on December 6, after expressing dissatisfaction over the contractor’s inadequate performance.

Umahi dismissed the contractor’s claims of not receiving mobilisation funds, reiterating that under the ministry’s policy, mobilisation is only released after a contractor reports to site and attains a reasonable level of certified progress.

He directed that Messrs Hitech Africa Construction Company should take over the project under an emergency procurement arrangement, assuring commuters that the section would be completed within two months.

This development formed a major highlight of the minister’s wider inspection of Sections 3A and 3B of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

The 71.4-kilometre stretch, part of the 750-kilometre signature highway, has been under construction by Messrs Hitech Africa Construction Company since April this year.

Reaffirming the president’s commitment, the minister highlighted that the highway will incorporate relief stations, solar lighting, CCTV cameras, and an emergency response system, guaranteeing under 10-minute intervention.

He described President Bola Tinubu as a leader fulfilling decades-old national infrastructure visions.

The Managing Director of Hitech Africa, Mr. Dany Aboud, expressed appreciation to the president and pledged timely delivery of all assigned segments within the 36-month contract duration.

The Senate Committee Chairman on Works, Senator Mpigi Barinada, speaking on behalf of the National Assembly, praised the quality of work and urged Nigerians to understand the significant earthworks required in swampy terrains, which justify the project’s cost.

He reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to ensuring value for citizens.

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Action Alliance (AA) who joined the inspection, commended the project, stated that good initiatives deserve appreciation beyond party lines.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Ms. Gift Johnbull, described the highway as a generational game changer aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, enhancing farmers’ and traders’ access to major markets.