The Federal Government has expressed its dissatisfaction with the slow progress of the Lokoja-Abuja Highway construction project. Minister of Works, David Umahi, has warned contractors that their contracts may be revoked if they fail to accelerate the project’s pace. This crucial project, connecting the North and South, has been ongoing since 2007, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo initially awarded the dualization contract.
Despite its importance, the project has faced significant delays, with contractors citing funding issues, insecurity, and unpaid certificates as major obstacles. While some sections, such as the Lokoja-Ganaja road, are nearing completion (99.73%), others, like the Kotonkarfe-Abaji section, are lagging behind at 10.21% completion.
The government has assured contractors of funding and security, urging them to deploy additional resources and personnel. Multiple contractors, including Trucrete Solutions Nig. Ltd, Sailthrough Construction Ltd, CGC Nigeria Ltd, Gitto Costruzioni General Nig. Ltd, and Geld Limited/Triacta Nigeria Limited, are working on various sections, with varying degrees of progress.
This issue is not unique to the Lokoja-Abuja Highway; several major roads in Nigeria are experiencing similar delays, including the Abuja-Lokoja-Benin Road, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and Enugu-Onitsha Road. Common challenges include funding delays, insecurity, and unpaid certificates.
The Federal Government is taking steps to address these issues, warning contractors to accelerate progress or face sanctions, including contract revocation and investigation by anti-graft agencies. However, the underlying challenges, such as funding issues, inadequate equipment and managerial skills, environmental concerns, security issues, bureaucratic hurdles, and poor maintenance culture, must be addressed to ensure the successful completion of these projects.
These challenges are impacting Nigeria’s economic development and living standards, resulting in cost overruns, time delays, and subpar road quality.