…threatens EFCC action against firm as others get ministerial commendation
Our reporter
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has terminated the contract awarded to Levant Construction Ltd for Section 1 of the Benin-Sapele-Warri road project, citing gross non-performance and failure to heed repeated warnings.
Speaking during a review meeting with the Chief Executives of GELD Construction Ltd and SKECC Nigeria Ltd, Senator Umahi expressed deep dissatisfaction with Levant Construction’s handling of the project, which is being executed under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.
“Despite several warnings and notices, Levant Construction Ltd failed to respond or make tangible progress. As a result, I have instructed the Permanent Secretary to ensure the contract is properly terminated and to initiate a joint measurement process,” the Minister declared.
Umahi further stated that the government would seek repayment of the Advance Payment Guarantee (APG) issued to the company, warning that the matter could be escalated to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if necessary.
In contrast, the Minister commended GELD Construction Ltd and SKECC Nigeria Ltd for their commitment to the project and readiness to intensify efforts on their allocated sections of the road.
“I am satisfied with the discussions held with both SKECC and GELD. Their assurances to step up work are encouraging, and I must commend the Governors of Edo and Delta States for their interventions on certain stretches of the project,” Umahi said.
Responding to public concerns about regional imbalance in road infrastructure development, the Minister dismissed such claims as baseless, affirming the federal government’s commitment to equitable development across all six geo-political zones.
“The Renewed Hope administration is undertaking strategic road projects across the country. In the North, we are constructing the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road, the Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina-Kaduna corridor, and the Kano Northern Bypass, among others.
“In fact, the North accounts for 52 percent of the four legacy projects of Mr President, while the South has 48 percent,” he explained.
Umahi urged Nigerians to see ongoing infrastructure projects as national assets designed to serve the collective good, stating: “We remain resolute in restoring confidence in Nigeria’s road network and demonstrating the transformative vision of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.”
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