Umahi Terminates Benin–Warri Road Contract, Seeks Refund From Contractor

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has terminated the contract awarded to Levant Construction Limited for failing to deliver on its section of the Benin–Sapele–Warri road project.

The federal highway, considered a major route in the region, is being reconstructed under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.

Following a meeting in Abuja with contractors working on different parts of the project, Umahi accused Levant of abandoning its portion of the road despite repeated warnings and the issuance of a final termination notice.

In a statement issued Wednesday by his media aide, Orji Uchenna, the minister explained that even after the Edo State Government stepped in to rehabilitate some of the worst-affected areas, Levant still failed to mobilise to its assigned section.

“We even begged the Edo State Governor to fix the worst-hit parts while Levant handled the remaining. While the governor delivered on his 23 km stretch for N35bn, Levant abandoned its section.

“They received multiple warning letters, including a final notice, but chose not to return to the site,” Umahi said.

He directed the ministry’s permanent secretary to conclude the termination process, conduct a joint measurement of completed work, and contact the company’s bank to recover the advance payment guarantee.

Umahi further warned that if the company fails to refund public funds, the matter could be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.

By contrast, the minister commended Geld Construction and SKECC for recommitting to the project after renegotiations.

He acknowledged that cost reviews had been approved in response to inflation, notably the surge in asphalt prices, which have risen from ₦9,000 to ₦30,000 per square metre.

“I’m pleased with Geld’s commitment. For their other job on the Lokoja-Abuja road, we’ve agreed to a price review. The same applies to the Itoki–Ikorodu road. We are happy to see movement again,” he said.

Umahi also praised Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for their interventions in funding and executing key parts of the federal road network.

“We are grateful. These governors are doing very beautiful work,” he said.

Responding to recent allegations by some Northern groups accusing the Tinubu-led administration of favouring the South in road project allocations, Umahi dismissed the claims as malicious and uncharitable.