The Federal Government has issued tough directives to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and its affiliate, China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company (CHOMC), following public complaints over poor execution, environmental hazards and slow pace of work on key federal road projects across the country.
The directives were issued by the Federal Ministry of Works after a high-level meeting convened by the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, with officials of the Ministry and representatives of CHEC and CHOMC at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
At the meeting, the Minister disclosed that the Ministry received a formal petition concerning excessive dust pollution on the Makurdi–9th Mile–Enugu Road project, posing serious health and environmental risks to residents along the corridor. He directed the Permanent Secretary to immediately issue a warning letter to the contractor, mandating the deployment of effective dust-control and soil stabilisation measures, warning that failure to comply within seven days would result in suspension of the project.
On the Mararraba–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Dual Carriageway, Umahi noted that although parts of the road were completed under the previous administration, several sections have already failed. He reiterated his earlier directive that the first five kilometres of the project must be milled and reconstructed with concrete pavement and properly remarked, giving the contractor seven days to commence corrective works.
The Minister further ordered comprehensive rehabilitation of other failed sections along the corridor, including areas around Nasarawa State University, failed bridge expansion joints, damaged manhole covers, blocked drainage systems, washouts and overgrown vegetation. He also directed that all road furniture be reinstated after maintenance works and that corridor monitoring be strengthened to improve highway safety and ensure the prompt removal of broken-down vehicles.
Expressing concern over the slow pace of work on the 7th Axial Road project in Lagos, Umahi said site mobilisation by CHEC remains inadequate despite substantial mobilisation funds already released. He warned that failure to achieve full mobilisation within the agreed timeframe would lead to recovery of funds and decisive contractual action.
He stressed that the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will no longer tolerate poor workmanship, delays or violations of contractual standards, adding that warning letters, withholding of certificates and other contractual sanctions would be applied where necessary.
Umahi also revealed that the Federal Government inherited 2,064 ongoing projects valued at over ₦13 trillion as of May 29, 2023, excluding projects under the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme. Despite funding challenges, he said road construction and rehabilitation are progressing nationwide, expressing confidence that sustained efforts over the next five years would significantly transform Nigeria’s infrastructure.
Responding on behalf of the companies, the Acting Executive Director (Operations) of CHOMC, Mr. Stephen Lee, assured that standard anti-dust measures would be implemented on all sites, full mobilisation would commence on the 7th Axial Road, and failed sections of the Mararraba–Lafia Road would be rehabilitated promptly.
The Minister concluded by reiterating that contractors must either meet agreed standards or face firm consequences, as the Federal Government remains committed to delivering safe, durable and value-driven road infrastructure for Nigerians.