The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has sanctioned senior officials of the ministry of works over delays and alleged misconduct in the execution of the Mararaba–Keffi expressway project.

Mr Umahi, while inspecting the road on Friday in Abuja, ordered the immediate removal of the controller of works assigned to the project.

He also issued a firm deadline of February 28 for the completion and handover of the 43-kilometre Mararaba–Keffi corridor by China Harbour Engineering Company, the contractor handling the project.

The minister accused the affected official of approving certificates for palliative works that were either not executed or left incomplete.

He directed the permanent secretary of the ministry to redeploy the affected officer and assign another controller to take over the project with immediate effect.

Mr Umahi said, “Nobody will be spared. Discipline is our watchword. Diligence is our watchword. Doing the work we are paid to do is our watchword. When action is taken, no amount of pleading will reverse it. I report directly to Mr. President.”

Mr Umahi stated that ministry officials supervising projects had the authority to enforce ministerial directives and should escalate any contractor’s non-compliance to higher authorities without delay, including denial of certificates where necessary.

He also instructed the company handling the Mararaba-Keffi road to submit a detailed work timetable and a written commitment confirming its readiness to meet the February deadline.

The minister gave a directive for the immediate removal of hand-moulded caps along the road, instructing that concreting of the median should begin without further delay, alongside the installation of solar-powered streetlights across the entire stretch.

Mr Umahi expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work and attributed the persistent lapses not only to the contractor but also to negligence by officials of the ministry of works assigned to supervise the project.

He stated, “I am giving you the end of February to hand over this job. You must come to my office on Wednesday with your timetable and a commitment to complete the project by then. I have been here more than eight times. Now the problem is my staff, and today I will set an example of what 2026 will be like.”

The minister called on contractors and ministry staff to discharge their responsibilities diligently in the interest of Nigerians.

He said that sanctions imposed on erring officers would stand unless reversed by the President.

(NAN)