FG Calls Out China Harbour Over Health Risks From Road Dust, Orders Immediate Control Measures
The Federal Government has summoned China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) over growing concerns that excessive dust from its road construction activities poses serious health risks to residents along affected corridors.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, raised the alarm following complaints from communities impacted by ongoing federal road projects being handled by the Chinese firm and its affiliate, China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company (CHOMC). According to the minister, government received formal petitions citing persistent dust pollution, which residents say has led to respiratory discomfort and environmental degradation. Umahi said the government has directed the contractor to immediately implement comprehensive dust-control measures, including soil stabilisation techniques and other approved methods aimed at reducing airborne particles during construction. Public health and safety are non-negotiable. Contractors must take responsibility for the environmental impact of their operations, especially when communities are directly affected,” the minister said. He disclosed that the Ministry of Works has given CHEC a seven-day deadline to fully comply with the directive, warning that failure to do so could attract sanctions, including suspension of affected projects or contractual penalties. Beyond dust pollution, the minister also criticised the company over delays and substandard work on some federal road projects, notably sections of the Mararaba–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi dual carriageway. Umahi said parts of the road have already shown signs of failure, prompting orders for reconstruction using concrete pavement and improved engineering standards. The Federal Government also expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on the Seventh Axial Road project in Lagos, noting that significant mobilisation funds had been released without commensurate progress on site. Umahi stressed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not tolerate poor execution, environmental negligence or delays on federally funded infrastructure projects under the Renewed Hope agenda. In response, representatives of China Harbour reportedly assured the government of their commitment to comply with the new directives, pledging to deploy standard dust-suppression techniques and accelerate work on lagging projects.
