ASABA – The Delta State Government has warned contractors handling ongoing road projects in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, directing them to accelerate work and maintain quality standards or face possible contract revocation.
The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, gave the warning while inspecting several road projects in the area.
Aniagwu was accompanied during the inspection by the Member representing Ndokwa West State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Charles Emetulu; the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon; the Director of Rural Roads, Engr. Solomon Akpotowho and the Technical Assistant to the Governor, Engr. Bob Nakpodia.
The commissioner emphasised that the state government would not tolerate unnecessary delays or substandard work, stressing that contractors must strictly adhere to agreed project timelines and specifications.
According to him, the projects are part of the deliberate efforts of the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to open up rural communities, connect them with urban centres and improve the living conditions of residents.
He explained that the inspection exercise was designed to ensure that contractors comply with project timelines and the specifications contained in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME).
“We are doing these roads across the 25 local government areas of the state to open up rural communities and connect them with the cities so that life can be more livable for our people.
“Our coming here is to ensure that contractors meet their schedule of work and also comply with the specifications contained in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation,” Aniagwu said.
The commissioner disclosed that four projects were inspected during the visit, including the Etua-Ukpo/Etua-Etiti/Etua-Oliogo Road with a spur to Etua-Etiti, the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road (Phase 1), the Eweshi–Utagba-Uno Road and the Inam-Abbi Access Road.
Aniagwu commended the contractor handling the Etua road project, Chioino Global Ventures, for the pace and quality of work, noting that significant progress had been recorded within a short period.
“I must commend the contractor because in less than one month we can see that they are moving with speed. The quality of work is also encouraging,” he said.
The project, which was awarded on February 13, 2026 at a cost of about ₦4.86 billion, covers a distance of 8.367 kilometres. Site clearance and earthworks have already been completed, while drainage construction has progressed to about 1,300 metres.
However, the commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on some other projects, particularly the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road (Phase 1), which was expected to have been completed in October 2025.
He directed the contractor for the project to ensure that it is completed within the next one and a half months.
Aniagwu also criticised the slow pace of work on the Eweshi–Utagba-Uno Road project valued at ₦5.04 billion, which was scheduled for completion in March 2026.
“If the contractors do not change the trajectory of their movement within the next one month, we will take actions, including revocation and re-awarding of the contracts. No contractor will hold the government to ransom,” he warned.
He emphasised that the state government had no reason to accept excuses from contractors, noting that they were adequately mobilised to carry out the projects.
According to him, contractors receive 40 percent mobilisation once contracts are awarded, while the government promptly honours payment certificates once they are raised.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori pays as soon as certificates are raised, and contractors are mobilised with 40 per cent of the contract sum. Therefore, the speed we expect from contractors cannot be compromised,” Aniagwu stated.
He also warned officials of the Ministry of Works and other government agencies against certifying jobs that have not been executed, stressing that any officer found culpable would be required to refund the money and face dismissal.
Speaking during the inspection, the member representing Ndokwa West State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Charles Emetulu, commended Governor Oborevwori for approving several infrastructure projects in the constituency.
Emetulu said the projects would directly impact the lives of residents by improving access to communities and facilitating the transportation of agricultural produce to markets.
He, however, appealed to contractors to speed up work so that communities could begin to enjoy the benefits of the projects.
“This particular road is very dear to me because it is my community and the people have never seen a road like this before. We promised them during the campaigns, and it is important that the project is delivered on time,” he said.
When completed, the road projects are expected to significantly improve access, connectivity and economic activities across communities in Ndokwa West Local Government Area.
