KWALE/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has issued a stern warning to contractors handling ongoing road projects in Ndokwa West Local Government Area to accelerate the pace of work and maintain required quality standards or risk having their contracts revoked.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, gave the warning during an inspection tour of several road projects across the council area.
Aniagwu, who was accompanied by the Member representing Ndokwa West State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Charles Emetulu; the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon; the Director of Rural Roads, Engr. Solomon Akpotowho; and the Technical Assistant to the Governor, Engr. Bob Nakpodia, inspected a number of ongoing projects aimed at improving road connectivity within the area.
He stressed that the state government would not tolerate unnecessary delays or substandard execution of projects, insisting that contractors must strictly adhere to agreed timelines and the specifications contained in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME).
According to the commissioner, the projects form part of the deliberate efforts of the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to open up rural communities, connect them with urban centres, and enhance the overall living conditions of residents.
“We are doing these roads across the 25 local government areas of the state to open up rural communities and connect them with the cities so that life can be more livable for our people,” Aniagwu said.
“Our coming here is to ensure that contractors meet their schedule of work and also comply with the specifications contained in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation.”
During the inspection, Aniagwu said the team visited four major projects, including the Etua-Ukpo/Etua-Etiti/Etua-Oliogo Road with a spur to Etua-Etiti, the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road (Phase 1), the Eweshi–Utagba-Uno Road, and the Inam-Abbi Access Road.
He commended the contractor handling the Etua road project, Chioino Global Ventures, for demonstrating commendable speed and quality in executing the job, noting that visible progress had been recorded within a short period.
“I must commend the contractor because in less than one month we can see that they are moving with speed. The quality of work is also encouraging,” he said.
The Etua road project, awarded on February 13, 2026, at a cost of about ₦4.86 billion, spans 8.367 kilometres. Aniagwu disclosed that site clearance and earthworks had already been completed while drainage construction had progressed to about 1,300 metres.
However, the commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work on some other projects, particularly the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road (Phase 1), which was expected to have been completed in October 2025.
He directed the contractor handling the project to ensure that the work is completed within the next one and a half months.
Aniagwu also faulted the slow progress recorded on the Eweshi–Utagba-Uno Road project valued at ₦5.04 billion, which was scheduled for completion in March 2026.
“If the contractors do not change the trajectory of their movement within the next one month, we will take actions, including revocation and re-awarding of the contracts. No contractor will hold the government to ransom,” he warned.
The commissioner emphasised that contractors had no justification for delays since the state government ensures adequate mobilization and prompt payment.
According to him, contractors receive 40 per cent mobilisation upon the award of contracts, while the government promptly honours payment certificates once they are raised.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori pays as soon as certificates are raised, and contractors are mobilised with 40 percent of the contract sum. Therefore, the speed we expect from contractors cannot be compromised,” Aniagwu stated.
He also warned officials of the Ministry of Works and other relevant government agencies against certifying projects that have not been executed, stressing that any officer found culpable would be compelled to refund the funds and face dismissal from service.
Speaking during the inspection, the Member representing Ndokwa West State Constituency, Hon. Charles Emetulu, commended Governor Oborevwori for approving several infrastructure projects in the constituency.
Emetulu noted that the projects would significantly impact the lives of residents by improving access to communities and facilitating the movement of agricultural produce to markets.
He, however, appealed to contractors to expedite work to enable communities begin to reap the benefits of the projects.
“This particular road is very dear to me because it is my community and the people have never seen a road like this before. We promised them during the campaigns, and it is important that the project is delivered on time,” he said.
When completed, the road projects are expected to greatly enhance accessibility, connectivity and economic activities across communities in Ndokwa West Local Government Area.
