Federal Government Issues 7-Day Ultimatum to China Harbour Over Dust and Road Failures

The Federal Government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company (CHOMC) to address dust pollution at construction sites and repair deteriorating road sections, or face project suspension.

Works Minister Engr. David Umahi delivered the warning Thursday following a meeting with company representatives at his office, prompted by numerous public complaints about road conditions.

According to a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Press, Mohammed Ahmed, the meeting addressed multiple concerns regarding the companies’ projects, with Umahi issuing firm directives to protect public health and safeguard government investment.

The Minister revealed that his office received a formal petition concerning the Makurdi-9th Nile-Enugu road project, where excessive construction dust has created environmental and health hazards for nearby residents. He ordered the Permanent Secretary to mandate immediate dust-control measures, including soil stabilization techniques, warning that failure to comply within seven days would result in project suspension.

Regarding the completed and tolled Mararraba-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road, Umahi noted that sections are already deteriorating. He reiterated his earlier directive requiring the first five kilometers to be milled, re-asphalted with concrete, and properly re-marked within seven days.

The Minister also ordered comprehensive rehabilitation of other failing sections through milling and overlay, highlighting specific problem areas including poorly executed work near Nasarawa State University, damaged bridge expansion joints, broken manhole covers, blocked drainage, and washouts. He demanded improved vegetation control and reinstatement of all road furnishings after maintenance.

Umahi called for enhanced highway safety management, instructing the contractor to strengthen corridor monitoring and ensure prompt removal of stationary vehicles.

On the 7th Axial Road project in Lagos, the Minister expressed frustration over slow progress despite substantial mobilization payments to CHEC. He noted that key machinery remains undeployed with minimal site clearance completed, warning: “If full mobilisation is not achieved within the agreed timeframe, we will recover the funds and take firm contractual action.”

Umahi emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration will no longer accept substandard execution, delays, or disregard for agreed standards, stating that warning letters, certificate withholding, and contractual consequences will follow where necessary.

The Minister assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to protecting lives, infrastructure integrity, and ensuring value for public funds. He noted that the administration inherited 2,064 ongoing projects worth over ₦13 trillion as of May 29, 2023, excluding Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme projects, but that road construction continues nationwide despite funding constraints.

While acknowledging the federal road network cannot be completed within four years, Umahi expressed confidence that sustained effort over the next five years would transform Nigeria’s infrastructure. He urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu in 2027 to continue infrastructure development.

CHOMC’s Acting Executive Director (Operations), Mr. Stephen Lee, pledged to implement industry-standard dust control measures at all sites, ensure adequate mobilization for the 7th Axial Road, and complete rehabilitation of failed sections on the Mararaba-Lafia road.

Umahi concluded by stressing that contractors must meet agreed standards or face consequences, as the government remains committed to delivering safe, durable road infrastructure to Nigerians.