…Assures motorists of free movement, better days ahead
By Dele Ogbodo
Following the ruckus triggered with commencement of e-collection of tolls on the completed Keffi–Akwanga alignment of the Abuja–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Dualisation project, from commuters plying the route, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, on Friday responded swiftly with solutions to the Toll Plaza at Garaku, Nasarawa State.
While proffering solutions at the site, Umahi, however expressed displeasure with how the tolls are being collected, stating that it is subjecting motorists to undue hardship.
The Director Press and Public Relations, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed, in a statement made available to road infrastructure, reporters, said as a remedial measure, he directed the concessionaire, Messrs China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company (CHOMC) to immediately increase the number of collection points, deploy more Point-of-Sale (POS) devices, and as well as relief stations for public pleasure and convenience.
The Minister, while assuring road users of smoother passage at the toll plaza, promised to revisit the site tomorrow, (Monday, 10th) February 2025, to assess compliance with his directives.
“The tollgate is not meant to have this kind of bottleneck,” the Minister stated. “The current operation is inadequate, and we are giving the Concessionaire until Monday to make the necessary improvements. If by then this bottleneck is not resolved, I will release the traffic and replace them,” Umahi warned.
Emphasizing the importance of relief stations where vehicles can park and access essential amenities, the Minister cautioned the operators that failure to comply with this requirement would result in the loss of their business. “We will not tolerate anyone exploiting the plight of Nigerians,” he emphasized. “If you wish to operate in this sector, you must meet the required standards,” he added.
Umahi, also addressed the slow progress of the remaining works, the Abuja –Keffi section, directing that the contractor, Messrs China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), directing that a 14-day Notice of Termination be issued to them, immediately, due to unsatisfactory performance and effluxion of time.
He berated the company for achieving a meagre 8.7% of the project despite receiving mobilization funds, also surpassing 46% of the agreed timeline.
“The people are suffering, and the President is deeply concerned. Contractors cannot continue to mismanage Nigeria’s resources while failing to deliver as agreed.
“If there is no significant improvement within 14 days, we will take over the job.” the Minister declared.
He further directed that mobilization funds already disbursed would not be subject to any review reiterating that contractors must be held accountable for delays resulting in cost escalations.
Additionally, he instructed that the road median be reconfigured and equipped with solar-powered lights to enhance visibility and safety in the corridor.
The Minister also mandated the immediate reconstruction of all failed sections of the completed alignment (Kebbi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi), stressing that substandard work would not be tolerated by the present administration.
Reaffirming the commitment of President Bola Tinubu, to delivering high-quality road infrastructure to Nigerians, he assured the public that necessary corrective measures would be implemented.
“The President has granted the Ministry full authority to terminate any contract where political interests take precedence over performance,” the Minister warned.
“China Harbour Engineering Company, in particular, has been issued an ultimatum to complete one full carriageway by April or face termination of the contract,” he further stated.
