The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has issued a stark warning to contractors underperforming on projects, threatening to remove them from their contracts. Wike’s remarks came during an inspection of the 15-kilometer left-wing service lane of the Outer Southern Expressway, stretching from Ring Road 1 to Wasa.
The minister expressed frustration at the “disappointing performance” of CGC Nigeria Ltd, the contractor on the project, which he claims is only 50 percent complete, despite the company asserting it was 75 percent finished.
“You promised to finish by December 2024 or January 2025, yet you’ve now pushed it to May. Given the current state, it could take even longer,” he said. Wike emphasized that the FCT Administration has already paid over 80 percent of the contract sum, yet he finds the progress unacceptable.
“We are not going to tolerate this. If you don’t perform, we will remove you. This applies to all contractors, whether local or foreign. Our priority is the completion of the work,” he declared. He further noted that there would be penalties for contractors who fail to meet their obligations.
Wike highlighted that his concerns about the project arose during an inspection of the Apo to Karshi road, where he noticed a lack of equipment at the site. “I believe it’s only because I said I was coming today that you mobilized equipment. This is not acceptable,” he said.
Directing the Director of Engineering Services at the Federal Capital Development Authority, Wike insisted that a detailed work plan be established with the contractor, complete with a commitment to a timeline for completion. He stressed the importance of the road in facilitating economic activity and alleviating traffic congestion in the area.
“The project delivery plan must be on my desk by Monday,” he concluded, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
