Dave Umahi, minister of works, has directed the immediate issuance of a 14-day termination notice to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) over “substandard work and the near-collapse” of the Port Harcourt–Aba road.
Umahi gave the order during an inspection tour of federal road projects in Rivers state, where he expressed frustration at the deteriorating condition of the 43-kilometre dual carriageway.
He accused the construction company of ignoring engineering standards despite receiving multiple warnings from the ministry.
Standing on a visibly distressed section of the road, Umahi described the project — which he said was inherited from the previous administration — as an embarrassment.
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“We are at the Port Harcourt-bound Aba route being constructed by CCECC, which is on the verge of total collapse,” he said.
“This job was inherited, and since we came on board, we’ve been putting in funds to complete one carriageway.”
The minister said the ministry had earlier agreed with the company to use concrete on the shoulders and asphalt on the main carriageway for added durability.
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He, however, alleged that CCECC ignored the specifications by laying binder courses over long stretches without completing the shoulders or applying the final wear coat — a decision that had already caused failures on sections completed two years ago.
Umahi claimed that despite more than 20 official warnings, the company failed to comply with directives, prompting the ministry to de-scope the Port Harcourt-bound section from CCECC’s contract and reassign it to indigenous contractors capable of delivering quality work.
“I will direct the ministry to scout for very competent indigenous contractors to handle the Port Harcourt-bound lane,” he said.
“If CCECC fails to mill out the defective binder and replace it, they will face sanctions, including the termination of all their contracts nationwide.”
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Umahi also said the ministry would publish all correspondence exchanged with CCECC to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
He added that the government would not tolerate any act of sabotage against President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure renewal agenda.
The minister directed the federal controller of works in Rivers state to issue the formal termination notice, with all documented warnings attached, to CCECC’s head office before Wednesday.
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