The Federal Government has issued stern warnings and strict deadlines to China Harbour Engineering Company and its sister firm, China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company, over delays and substandard work on several federal road contracts.
The directives followed a high‑level meeting chaired by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday. The meeting brought together officials of the Ministry of Works and representatives of the two Chinese firms.
The companies are concessionaires on key road projects, including the Mararaba–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Dual Carriageway, the Makurdi–9th Mile–Enugu Road, and the 7th Axial Road in Lagos.
The Ministry said it had received formal complaints from residents along the Makurdi–9th Mile–Enugu corridor about excessive dust from construction activities. The dust was said to pose environmental hazards and public health risks.
In a statement, the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, Mohammed Ahmed, said the meeting reviewed several concerns relating to the performance of CHEC and CHOMC on their assigned projects.
The statement read, “During the meeting, several concerns relating to CHEC and CHOMC’s projects were reviewed, and firm warnings and directives were issued to safeguard public health, ensure quality delivery and sustainability, and protect government investment.”
The Minister directed that relevant warning letters be issued to the contractors with clear instructions to address identified issues. The warnings are intended to enforce contractor accountability and compliance with quality standards.
Officials said the deadlines are part of efforts to safeguard public investment and to ensure road infrastructure meets acceptable construction and safety standards.
The actions underscore the government’s focus on enforcing contractual obligations and addressing public concerns about environmental impacts and construction quality. The directives are aimed at improving project execution and protecting road users
