The Delta State Government has warned contractors handling ongoing road projects in Ndokwa West Local Government Area to accelerate work and maintain quality standards or risk contract revocation.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, gave the warning while inspecting several road projects across the council area.
Aniagwu, who was accompanied by the member representing Ndokwa West State Constituency, Charles Emetulu, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Festus Ahon, the Director of Rural Roads, Solomon Akpotowho, and the Technical Assistant to the governor, Bob Nakpodia, said the government would not tolerate delays or substandard work.
According to him, the projects form part of the administration’s efforts to open up rural communities and improve the 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.
He explained that the inspection was to ensure contractors comply with project timelines and the specifications contained in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation.
“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,” he added.
The commissioner said four projects were inspected during the visit, 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.
Aniagwu commended the contractor handling the Etua road project, Chioino Global Ventures, for the pace and quality of work.
“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 project, awarded on February 13, 2026, at a cost of about ₦4.86 billion, covers 8.367 kilometres, with site clearance and earthworks already completed while drainage construction has 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 its completion within the next one and a half months.
Aniagwu also criticised the slow progress 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.
He stressed that the government had no reason to accept excuses from contractors, noting that they receive 40 per cent mobilisation once contracts are awarded.
“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.
The commissioner also warned officials of the Ministry of Works against certifying projects that have not been executed.
“Any officer found culpable will be made to refund the money and face dismissal,” he said.
Speaking during the inspection, Charles Emetulu commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for approving several infrastructure projects in the constituency.
He said the projects would improve access to communities and ease the movement of agricultural produce to markets.
“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,” Emetulu said.
