FCT Minister Threatens to Sanction Non-Performing Contractors in FCT Road Projects

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• FCT Minister Nyesom Wike threatened to terminate contracts with non-performing contractors after expressing disappointment in CGC Nigeria Ltd’s progress on the Outer Southern Expressway project, which he deemed inadequate.
• Wike emphasised that despite the FCT Administration paying over 80% of the contract sum, the work completed is less than 50%, and he insisted on accountability and sanctions for underperformance.
• He directed the Federal Capital Development Authority’s Director of Engineering Services to work with CGC on a revised completion timeline, stressing the project’s importance for economic activity and traffic reduction in the area.

[/keypoints]

FCT Minister, Wike Threatens to Sanction Non-Performing Contractors in FCT Road Projects

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to non-performing contractors, threatening to terminate their contracts if they fail to meet agreed-upon project deadlines.

This warning came after Wike inspected the construction of the 15-kilometre left-wing service lane of the Outer Southern Motorway, from Ring Road 1 to Wasa, in Abuja.

During the inspection on Friday, Wike expressed his dissatisfaction with CGC Nigeria Ltd., the company handling the project, accusing them of making slow progress.

He refuted the company’s claim of 75% completion, stating that the work was “barely 50%” despite receiving over 80% of the contract sum.

Wike highlighted the importance of contractors adhering to their agreements, stressing that the FCT Administration had already made substantial payments.

“We have paid more than 80%, and the job is nowhere near completion. I am not going to accept this,” Wike remarked, adding that project deadlines had already been extended beyond the original December 2024 timeline to May 2025.

In his statement, Wike reiterated his administration’s commitment to enforcing accountability, vowing to kick out non-performing contractors without hesitation.

He emphasised that sanctions would be imposed on contractors who fail to deliver, stating, “Before we kick you out, we will make you pay for it.”

The minister further revealed that his visit to the construction site followed his inspection of the Apo to Karshi road, where he passed through Wasa and noticed the absence of equipment.

“I believe it’s because I said I was coming today that you mobilised equipment,” Wike noted, criticising the last-minute efforts made by CGC.

Wike instructed the Director of Engineering Services at the Federal Capital Development Authority to work closely with the contractor, establish a realistic work plan, and set a new completion timeline.

He emphasised the road’s significance to economic activities in the area and urged the project’s swift completion to alleviate traffic congestion.

The minister demanded that the work plan be submitted to his office by Monday.