FG Terminates Port Harcourt–Aba Road Contract Over Poor Performance by Chinese Firm
The Federal Government has terminated the 43-kilometre Port Harcourt–Aba Road dualization contract awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) over what it described as “persistent poor performance and lack of progress.”
Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the decision on Sunday while speaking to journalists after inspecting the project site.
Umahi expressed disappointment at the contractor’s failure to deliver, despite several warnings and substantial funds already released for the work.
According to the minister, the termination became inevitable following repeated assessments that showed no significant improvement in construction quality or pace of execution.
“The Federal Government cannot continue to tolerate non-performance on critical infrastructure projects, especially after several engagements with the contractor to address the lapses,” Umahi said. “This project has suffered setbacks for too long, and Nigerians deserve better.”
He lamented that the project, which is vital for connecting key economic hubs in Rivers and Abia States, had remained in a deplorable state despite the release of funds and technical support from the ministry.
Umahi further stated that the government has initiated the process of re-awarding the contract to a more competent and committed contractor to ensure timely completion.
“This road is too important to the people of the South-East and South-South regions to be abandoned. We will bring in a capable firm to deliver a durable job within a reasonable timeframe,” he assured.
The Port Harcourt–Aba highway serves as a major trade corridor linking the oil-rich Niger Delta to the South-East commercial belt.
The project’s termination reflects the Federal Government’s renewed stance on accountability and performance-driven infrastructure delivery.
The development comes amid ongoing nationwide reviews of federal road contracts to ensure value for money and adherence to engineering standards.
