Minister of Works, David Umahi has terminated the contract awarded to Levant Construction Company for the reconstruction of the Benin-Sapele-Warri Expressway (Section 1: Benin – Imasabor) over non-performance.
The road is being executed under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.
Umahi, on his official Facebook handle, said he had earlier expressed disapproval over the failure and/or neglect of the construction firm to live up to expectations in their contractual duties.
Umahi said that “I have ordered the termination of the contract with Levant Construction Limited on the reconstruction of the Benin-Sapele-Warri Road (Section 1: Benin – Imasabor) being executed under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, due to non-performance.
“During a meeting with the chief executives of GELD Construction Limited and SKECC Nigeria Limited, I expressed disapproval over the failure and/or neglect of Messrs Levant to live up to expectations in their contractual duties.
“Despite warnings and notices, Levant Construction Limited failed to respond, leading to the decision to terminate the contract.
“I have directed the permanent secretary to get the job properly terminated and write a letter for joint measurement.
“Additionally, we will request repayment of the APG, and if necessary, the matter will be taken to the EFCC.”
However, Umahi expressed happiness with the discussion he had with SKECC Nigeria Limited and Geld Construction Limited, who had agreed to redouble their efforts on their respective sections of the road project.
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“Conversely, I expressed satisfaction with the outcome of discussions with SKECC Nigeria Limited and Geld Construction Limited, who have agreed to step up work on their respective sections of the road project.
“I commend the governors of Delta State and Edo State for their interventions on some kilometers of the road project,” Umahi added.
The minister further assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration is committed to ensuring the inclusivity of all zones in infrastructure development.
“Regarding allegations of marginalization in road infrastructure development, I want to assure Nigerians that the administration is committed to inclusive development across the six geo-political zones.
“We are executing numerous road projects in the North, including the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina-Kaduna Road, and Kano Northern By-pass, among others.
“In fact, the North has 52 percent of the four legacy projects of Mr. President, while the South has 48 percent. I urge Nigerians to see these projects as national endeavours, benefiting the entire country,” he said.
The minister stated that the ministry remains committed to the mission of restoring confidence in Nigeria’s road infrastructure and showcasing the transformational power of the administration.
