Umahi Threatens Arrest Over Road Project Delays

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has threatened to effect the arrest of Hartland Nigeria Limited’s managing director over an incomplete 11-kilometre Benin-Onitsha Expressway project.

Umahi said this on Thursday during an inspection of road projects along the Agbor-Asaba-Onitsha corridor in Delta State. The minister said Hartland had received about ₦14 billion for the project but had completed only about 40 per cent of the work.

The affected section runs from Summit Junction to Head Bridge and includes channelisation and hydraulic structures.

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“I’ve called the MD to discuss their return to the site. I am going to look for him and have him arrested. I’m going to arrest him,” Umahi said.

He directed the ministry’s controller to locate and arrest the managing director and ordered officials to begin recovering funds paid to the contractor.

Umahi Orders Arrest Of Hartland MD Over ₦14bn Benin-Onitsha Road Contract — Umahi Orders Arrest Of Hartland MD Over ₦14billion Benin-Onitsha Road Contract. Credit: Channels TV.

Umahi also ordered an audit of Hartland’s payment records and certificates across all its projects, warning that the company would face sanctions if found responsible for the delays. He said the agreed contract covered the entire 11-kilometre stretch, including the channelisation and hydraulic works.

The minister also raised concerns about vandalism of the Second Niger Bridge, where bolts, steel members, and expansion joints have reportedly been removed. He warned that continued vandalism could weaken the bridge and cause a serious safety incident.

Umahi ordered the immediate replacement of the damaged components and directed officials to install solar-powered lights and CCTV cameras around the bridge.

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He also ordered immediate remedial work on erosion damage around the Second Niger Bridge.

On the deteriorating Benin-Agbor road, Umahi blamed concessionaires for delaying rehabilitation and said the Nigerian Government was considering measures to improve movement along the route. He added that the old Niger Bridge would be resurfaced, with vandalised bolts and nuts replaced.

The rehabilitation will be carried out at night to reduce disruption, with the bridge temporarily closed during the work.

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Deborah Akwa

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