Umahi Warns Contractors: Risk EFCC, ICPC Arrest for Default

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has warned contractors handling federal road projects that failure to follow regulations or meet deadlines could lead to their arrest by the EFCC or ICPC.

Umahi gave the warning on Tuesday while inspecting the dualisation of the East-West Road (Section IIIA) from Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction in Rivers State, being handled by Reynolds Construction Company (RCC).

He praised the quality of the job but frowned at the slow pace, insisting that the December 15, 2025 completion date would not be shifted. “This project will not be reviewed or varied in price. We have issued several warning letters already, and we will enforce them if necessary,” he said.

The minister explained that contractors who fail to deliver risk losing money from their other projects, and may face EFCC and ICPC action.

Umahi also announced that, under the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First” policy, road projects worth less than ₦20 billion will no longer be awarded to foreign firms. Instead, such contracts will go to local companies, while expatriates focus on larger projects requiring more technical capacity.

He added that President Bola Tinubu has directed that no major road project should be abandoned, especially those tied to economic corridors and funded under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme.

Umahi also raised concerns about heavy-duty trucks parking indiscriminately on highways, warning that state governments and the police would be contacted to stop the practice.