The Federal Government has issued stern warnings to China Harbour Engineering Company CHEC and its sister firm China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company CHOMC over substandard work, slow mobilisation, and environmental hazards on key federal road projects. The directive follows a high-level meeting chaired by Minister of Works Senator David Umahi in Abuja with top ministry officials and representatives of the two firms.
The companies are concessionaires on the Mararraba–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Dual Carriageway and are also handling strategic roads including the Makurdi–9th Mile–Enugu Road and Lagos’ 7th Axial Road. Umahi raised concerns about excessive dust along the Makurdi–9th Mile–Enugu corridor, which poses environmental and public health risks. He directed immediate deployment of soil ilisation and other approved dust-control measures, warning that failure within seven days would result in project suspension.
The minister also ordered reconstruction of the first five kilometres of the Mararraba–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Road with concrete pavement, re-asphalting, and proper marking. Other defective sections, including bridge joints, manholes, blocked drains, and washouts, are to be rehabilitated. Road furniture and signage must also be reinstated, and highway safety management strengthened.
Expressing concern over slow mobilisation on Lagos’ 7th Axial Road, Umahi warned that failure to deploy equipment despite mobilisation funds would lead to fund recovery and contractual sanctions. The Acting Executive Director of CHOMC, Stephen Lee, assured the ministry of compliance with anti-dust measures, full mobilisation, and rehabilitation works.
Umahi concluded that the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu will enforce strict standards, ensuring safe, durable, and value-driven road infrastructure for Nigerians.
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