FG Acts On Public Outcry,Slams China Harbour With 7-Day Ultimatum Over Failing Roads, Dust Hazards
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has issued tough directives to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and its sister firm, China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company (CHOMC), following widespread public complaints over poor project execution, environmental hazards, and delays on major road projects across the country.
This followed a high-level meeting held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Works headquarters in Abuja, chaired by the Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, alongside senior ministry officials and representatives of the two companies.
Addressing concerns over excessive dust pollution on the Makurdi 9th Mile Enugu Road, Umahi according to a press release e-signed by the ministry’s Director, Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed disclosed that the Ministry had received a formal petition from affected residents.
“We have directed the Permanent Secretary to issue a letter mandating immediate dust-control measures, including soil stabilisation techniques. Failure to resolve this within seven days will lead to the suspension of the project,” he said.
On the dualisation of the Mararraba–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Road, the Minister noted that although some sections were completed by the previous administration, parts of the road were already failing.
“The first five kilometres must be milled, re-asphalted with concrete, and properly re-marked. The contractor has seven days to commence this work,” Umahi directed.
He further instructed that all failed sections along the corridor be rehabilitated, citing specific defects including failed bridge expansion joints, damaged manhole covers, blocked drainage channels, washouts, and overgrown vegetation.
“All road furnishings must be reinstated after maintenance works, and corridor monitoring must be strengthened to ensure prompt removal of broken-down vehicles to prevent accidents,” he added.
Expressing serious concern over the slow pace of work on the 7th Axial Road project in Lagos, Umahi revealed that despite substantial mobilisation funds already paid to CHEC, visible progress remained minimal.
“If full mobilisation is not achieved within the agreed timeframe, we will recover the funds and take firm contractual action,” he warned.
The Minister made it clear that the Renewed Hope Administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, would no longer tolerate substandard performance.
“Warning letters, withholding of certificates, and broader contractual consequences will be applied where necessary. We will not tolerate poor execution, delays, or disregard for agreed standards,” Umahi stressed.
He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains responsive to public concerns and committed to protecting lives, infrastructure integrity, and value for public funds.
“Mr. President is determined to enforce accountability and break away from practices that undermine national development,” he said.
Highlighting the scale of inherited projects, Umahi disclosed that the administration took over 2,064 ongoing projects valued at over ₦13 trillion as of May 29, 2023, excluding those under the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme.
“While we cannot complete the entire federal road network within one term, sustained tempo over the next five years will significantly transform Nigeria’s infrastructure,” he stated, urging Nigerians to support President Tinubu in 2027 to sustain the momentum.
Responding on behalf of CHEC and CHOMC, the Acting Executive Director (Operations) of CHOMC, Mr. Stephen Lee, pledged compliance.
“Industry-standard anti-dust measures will be implemented across all construction sites, and we will ensure full mobilisation and rehabilitation of the failed sections of the Mararraba–Lafia road,” Lee assured.
The Minister concluded by reiterating that contractors must either meet agreed standards or face firm consequences, as the Federal Government remains resolute in delivering safe and durable road infrastructure to Nigerians.
