Minister of Works, David Umahi, has terminated the contract awarded to Levant Construction Limited for the reconstruction of the Benin–Sapele–Warri road, citing the company’s failure to deliver on its portion of the project despite repeated warnings.

 

The road, a major federal highway, is being handled under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme. Umahi, speaking in Abuja after meeting with contractors working on different sections of the road, accused Levant of abandoning its section even after receiving a final termination notice.

 

In a statement issued by his media aide, Orji Uchenna, on Wednesday, the minister revealed that while the Edo State Government took responsibility for repairing the worst-hit 23-kilometre stretch—completed at a cost of ₦35 billion—Levant refused to return to site, leaving critical portions unattended.

 

“We even pleaded with the Edo State Governor to step in, and he did excellently. But Levant failed to act on its responsibilities. Despite several warning letters, they did not return to the site,” Umahi stated.

 

Following this, the minister directed the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary to conclude the contract termination process, assess completed works jointly, and approach the contractor’s bank to recover the Advance Payment Guarantee. He added that the company could face prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if the funds are not refunded.

 

In contrast, Umahi commended contractors such as Geld and SKECC for showing renewed commitment after renegotiations. He also confirmed that a cost review had been approved for ongoing projects due to inflation, especially the rising price of asphalt, now pegged at ₦30,000 per square metre—up from ₦9,000.

 

“I’m happy with Geld’s renewed commitment, especially on their Lokoja–Abuja and Itoki–Ikorodu projects. We’ve approved price adjustments to reflect current market realities,” he said.

 

Umahi also praised Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for stepping in to fund crucial portions of the federal road. “These governors are doing an excellent job,” he said.

 

Reacting to recent allegations by northern interest groups accusing the Tinubu administration of favouring southern states in road projects, Umahi dismissed the claims as “malicious and untrue.” He explained that project distribution under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is based on inherited obligations and current developmental needs—not regional bias.

 

“This Ministry does not consider geography. We are following the President’s vision, which continues all inherited projects regardless of location,” he said, citing the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano road as an example.

 

Umahi provided data to support his stance, noting that Niger State alone accounts for 26% of projects under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme, while the combined share of South-West and South-East stands at just 9%.

 

He highlighted major northern road projects including:

 

Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano road (Sections I & III) valued at ₦252 billion, with 30% already disbursed.

 

Section II of the same road, 164km, worth ₦525 billion with ₦152 billion already released.

 

The Sokoto–Zamfara–Katsina–Kaduna 750km corridor, worth ₦825 billion, initiated under Tinubu.

 

Dangote-backed Tax Credit projects in Borno, including 49km in Bama and 52km in Dikwa.

 

A ₦958 billion dual carriageway project in Kebbi, with a second phase awaiting FEC approval.

 

The 439km Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe superhighway, currently being redesigned into a six-lane concrete expressway on the President’s directive.

 

 

According to Umahi, 52% of road investments under the Renewed Hope legacy projects are allocated to the North, while the South receives 48%.

 

He also defended the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, saying it’s not intended to favour any region. He pointed out that the ₦958 billion cost of just one carriageway in Kebbi is comparable to segments of the Lagos–Calabar project, and once expanded to a dual carriageway, it could reach ₦2 trillion.

 

On the Eleme–Onne axis of the East–West Road, Umahi responded to criticism about delays, clarifying that the contractor, RCC, has improved performance. He explained that the current asphalt overlay is to ensure smoother traffic flow near flyovers.

 

“The work done so far is real. One lane is completed. The resurfacing around flyovers is deliberate for better vehicle movement,” he explained.

 

Umahi reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s road infrastructure, stating, “We want Nigerians to feel the true impact of governance. President Tinubu is investing in roads across all zones because he understands that infrastructure drives the economy. I’ve never seen a President like him.”