Umahi Faults CCECC Over Poor Construction Of Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has expressed strong disapproval over what he described as substandard construction practices by China Civil Engineering Construction Company Limited (CCECC) on the rehabilitation of the Aba-bound section of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway.

During an inspection tour of ongoing federal road projects across the South-East and South-South on Sunday, October 19, 2025, the Minister frowned at the contractor’s noncompliance with the new construction codes and regulations introduced by the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure durable and lasting road infrastructure.

Decrying the state of the 43-kilometre Aba–Port Harcourt stretch handled by CCECC, Umahi said the project was “on the verge of total collapse.” He directed that a 14-day notice of termination be issued to the company, citing repeated warnings and unsatisfactory responses.

“If you get to Port Harcourt end, which they did about two years or thereabout, the entire road has almost totally failed. We have been writing them to maintain this road. They have refused, and so I have to take responsibility and take decision,” the Minister said.

“Number one, the Port Harcourt bound is descoped, no longer going to be done by CCECC. I will direct the Ministry of Works to scout out for very qualified indigenous contractors to handle the Port Harcourt-bound. They should be the contractor that will start work immediately while we sort out for funds for them.

Number two, for the site handled by CCECC, they should issue them 14 days’ notice of termination of the job. After 14 days, if they fail to mill out the binder and replace it properly, the job will be terminated; they have to initiate it; they have to commit to doing that. Even if they are going to do it during the dry season, they have to maintain the ones that they have done and they put in writing that they’re going to mill out the binder at their own cost, and then be able to put a new binder, which we have paid for.”

Umahi restated that laying binders without wearing courses was unacceptable and went against the new standards of road construction under his leadership.

In a more positive development, the Minister commended Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited for their impressive work on the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway, Section II (Umuahia Tower–Aba Rail/Road Crossing) in Abia State. The 56-kilometre project has now reached 85 percent completion.

“They are one of our best — the first five. Even we want them to maintain from Aba to Umuahia, the completed section. So, they’re working very hard. The controller is also doing very well. I wish the controller to visit all the projects of the Federal Government in Abia State at least once a week, so that if there is a problem of impending danger or cost, you let us know.”

Reflecting on the broader state of Nigeria’s roads, Umahi acknowledged the difficult condition of several inherited projects across the country but assured that the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has made them a top priority.

“In Nigeria, all the roads became a priority because of the terrible situation of the roads that the President inherited. But he’s doing his best. And we are also working with him to offer our best in the country. We feel so bad when our people can’t move from one point to the other all over the country. I feel so sad. That is usually my lowest moment. But I’m still encouraged with the support the President is giving on roads and bridges because that is the basis of economic activities, and I think that we are very lucky to have him because the economy is breaking now. We are the third largest growing economy in the whole world, so we will get there.”

The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to enforcing strict construction standards nationwide to ensure Nigerians enjoy safe, high-quality, and lasting road infrastructure.

Umahi Faults CCECC Over Poor Construction Of Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway is first published on The Whistler Newspaper