… Terminates contract with Levant over non-performance
The Federal Government has lauded the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his swift and commendable intervention on the dilapidated 23-kilometre Benin-Sapele–Warri Road, a major economic corridor linking the South-South to other regions of the country.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, praised the Edo State Governor for demonstrating uncommon leadership and a strong sense of responsibility by stepping in where federal infrastructure had long suffered neglect.
According to the ministry, the state government’s ongoing reconstruction of the road, particularly around the failed portions near Ologbo and the bypass axis has, not only restored vehicular movement, but also eased the hardship of thousands of commuters and transporters who rely on the route for daily economic activities.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo’s proactive effort on the Benin-Sapele–Warri Road deserves national recognition. This is the kind of leadership Nigeria needs—leaders who act in the interest of the people, irrespective of jurisdictional boundaries,” the statement read.
The 23-kilometre stretch, which had been impassable for months due to erosion, potholes, and general disrepair, is now undergoing extensive reconstruction under the supervision of the Edo State Ministry of Works.
Heavy equipment, asphalt-laying machines, and engineering teams have been mobilised to restore the critical link between Benin City and Warri.
Speaking during a recent site visit, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal, stating that he could not ignore the suffering of Edo residents and other Nigerians caused by the poor condition of the federal road.
“This road may be federally owned, but the people who suffer from its neglect are our people—Edo people. We cannot fold our hands and keep making excuses about whose responsibility it is to fix the road while our citizens suffer. We are stepping in now because leadership must be responsive and empathetic,” Okpebholo said.
The governor also noted that his administration is engaging the Federal Government for a formal partnership to ensure full reconstruction of the road, while urging the Ministry of Works to expedite approvals and reimbursements for the state’s emergency intervention.
Local residents, business owners, and transport operators have expressed gratitude to the state government, noting that the intervention has brought significant relief.
They reported reduced travel time and a marked decline in the risk of accidents and vehicle breakdowns.
As economic activity gradually returns to the corridor, stakeholders have described the governor’s move as not only timely but visionary, once again positioning Edo State as a hub for regional development and national connectivity.
The Federal Government has pledged continued collaboration with the Edo State Government on future infrastructure projects and assured that it would fast-track technical and financial support for the completion of the Benin–Sapele-Warri Road.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has officially terminated its contract with Levant Construction Limited for the reconstruction of the road, citing persistent non-performance and neglect of contractual obligations.
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, disclosed this in Abuja following a review meeting with GELD Construction Limited and SKECC Nigeria Limited.
He stated that despite repeated warnings and notices, Levant failed to meet performance expectations under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, specifically on Section One of the road project (Benin to Imasabor).
The minister said he had directed the Permanent Secretary of the ministry to begin formal procedures for terminating the contract, request a joint project measurement, and ensure the refund of the Advance Payment Guarantee (APG).
He warned that the matter may be escalated to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if necessary.
Umahi, however, commended GELD and SKECC for their renewed commitment to accelerating work on their respective sections of the road.
He also praised the Governors of Edo and Delta states for intervening to execute portions of the project pending the Federal Government’s intervention.
Responding to criticisms of regional bias in infrastructure distribution, the minister assured Nigerians that the Renewed Hope administration under President Bola Tinubu remains committed to balanced development across the six geopolitical zones.
He explained that contrary to claims of marginalization, the North currently holds 52 percent of the President’s four major infrastructure projects, while the South accounts for 48 percent.
Umahi reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to restoring public confidence in the nation’s road infrastructure and promised that the ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope agenda would bring about lasting change across Nigeria’s transport network.
