FG to terminate CCECC contract over poor work delivery
The Federal Government has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the quality of work executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) on the rehabilitation of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway (Aba-bound section), citing poor construction practices and non-compliance with approved standards.
The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, made this known during an inspection of ongoing federal road projects across the South-South and South-East on Sunday.
His position was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Mr. Orji Uchenna Orji.
Umahi said CCECC failed to adhere to the new construction codes and regulations introduced by the ministry, noting that the 43km Aba–Port Harcourt section of the highway was already showing signs of total failure despite being recently rehabilitated.
“If you get to the Port Harcourt end, which they did about two years ago, the entire road has almost totally failed,” Umahi said.
“We have been writing them to maintain this road, but they have refused. So, I have to take responsibility and act.”
He announced that the ministry would issue a 14-day notice of termination to CCECC for poor performance, adding that the Port Harcourt-bound section of the contract would be withdrawn and re-awarded to a competent indigenous firm capable of delivering quality work.
The minister warned that CCECC must mill out and replace the defective binder course at its own cost, stressing that it was unacceptable to lay a binder without applying the final wearing course, a practice he said undermines the durability of roads.
In contrast, Umahi commended Arab Contractors for the progress and quality of work on the Enugu–Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway, Section II (Umuahia Tower–Aba Rail/Road Crossing), describing it as one of the best-performing projects under the ministry.
He noted that the 56km project was about 85% completed, praising the company’s commitment to standards and urging it to also maintain the completed Aba–Umuahia section.
Umahi also lauded the Federal Controller of Works in Abia State for effective supervision, directing him to ensure weekly inspection of all federal road projects in the state.
The minister emphasized that many of the ongoing road projects were inherited in poor condition and are now receiving priority attention under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration.
“The President is doing his best, and we are working hard to support him. Roads and bridges are the backbone of the economy, and we are determined to make them better,” Umahi stated.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his continued support in improving the nation’s road infrastructure and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring quality and accountability in all ongoing projects.