Umahi orders arrest of contractor over N14bn road project

Summary

Works Minister David Umahi ordered the arrest of the managing director of Hartland Nigeria Limited after accusing the company of failing to complete a section of the Benin-Onitsha Expressway despite payment from the federal government.

Highlights

• Umahi gave the order during an on-the-spot inspection of the expressway.
• He said Hartland received about N14bn for an 11-kilometre stretch from Summit Junction to a bridge, including drainage works.
• The minister said the company had completed only about 40% of the agreed work.
• He directed ministry officials to recover payment and certificate details linked to the contractor.
• Umahi also asked officials to inspect the affected bridges and part of the road to identify urgent measures to ease congestion.