Dave Umahi, Nigeria's Minister of Works, has issued a stringent directive for the immediate issuance of a 14-day termination notice to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). This drastic measure comes in response to what the minister described as “substandard work and the near-collapse” of the critical Port Harcourt–Aba road project. During an inspection tour of federal road projects in Rivers state, Umahi expressed profound frustration over the deteriorating state of the 43-kilometre dual carriageway, vehemently accusing the construction company of flagrantly disregarding established engineering standards, despite numerous warnings from the ministry.

Standing on a visibly compromised section of the road, Umahi characterized the project, which was inherited from the previous administration, as a national embarrassment. He stated, “We are at the Port Harcourt-bound Aba route being constructed by CCECC, which is on the verge of total collapse.” The minister elaborated that since his administration took office, significant funds have been allocated to complete one carriageway of the project.

Umahi further revealed that the ministry had previously reached an agreement with CCECC to incorporate concrete on the road shoulders and asphalt on the main carriageway to ensure enhanced durability. However, he alleged that CCECC deliberately ignored these vital specifications. The company proceeded to lay binder courses over extensive stretches of the road without adequately completing the shoulders or applying the final wear coat. This alleged deviation from agreed standards has already led to significant failures in sections of the road that were completed two years ago.

Despite more than 20 official warnings issued to CCECC, the minister claimed that the company consistently failed to comply with the directives. This persistent non-compliance has compelled the ministry to de-scope the Port Harcourt-bound section from CCECC’s contract. The intention is to reassign this critical segment to competent indigenous contractors who can demonstrably deliver quality workmanship. Umahi unequivocally stated, “I will direct the ministry to scout for very competent indigenous contractors to handle the Port Harcourt-bound lane.”

The Minister also warned CCECC of severe repercussions if they fail to rectify the identified defects. “If CCECC fails to mill out the defective binder and replace it, they will face sanctions, including the termination of all their contracts nationwide,” he asserted. To ensure full transparency and accountability in the utilization of public funds, Umahi announced that the ministry would publish all correspondence exchanged with CCECC. He underscored that the government would not tolerate any acts of sabotage against President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure renewal agenda. The federal controller of works in Rivers state has been directed to issue the formal termination notice, complete with all documented warnings, to CCECC’s head office before Wednesday.