In a decisive move, the Federal Government has terminated the contract for the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu Road project. The termination was executed on the spot by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, during an inspection visit on Saturday, 7th December 2025.
Contractor's Excuse Leads to Instant Termination
The contractor, Messrs Raycon and Company (Nigeria) Limited, was handling the 9.7-kilometre road project, which includes a spur to Ididep Itam and Ikot Ekpene. During the inspection, the contractor cited funding challenges and a lack of mobilisation funds as reasons for the slow pace of work.
Minister Umahi swiftly rejected these explanations. He reminded the contractor of the Ministry's policy, which requires contractors to report to site and achieve a reasonable level of certified work before mobilisation funds are released. Consequently, the Minister announced the immediate termination of the contract.
He directed the Federal Controller of Works in Akwa Ibom to issue a stop-work order and instructed a detailed assessment of the completed work to facilitate final payment. Furthermore, he ordered Messrs Hitech Africa Construction Company to take over the project on an emergency procurement basis, assuring road users that the stalled section would be completed within two months.
High Standards Set for Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
During the same inspection tour, Minister Umahi outlined ambitious plans for the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. He specifically addressed sections 3A and 3B, a 71.4-kilometre segment in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States that is part of the larger 750-kilometre project.
The Minister promised that this modern highway would feature several advanced safety and convenience features, including:
- Relief stations for travelers.
- Solar-powered lighting along the route.
- Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras for security.
Most notably, he committed to a maximum emergency response time of 10 minutes on the highway. He also directed the contractor, Hitech, to work both day and night to ensure timely delivery within the 36-month contract period.
Praise for Hitech and Presidential Vision
In stark contrast to the terminated contract, Minister Umahi commended Messrs Hitech Africa Construction Company for its work on the coastal highway. He praised the company for maintaining quality standards, using advanced equipment, and employing skilled workers.
The Minister noted that the contractor had already completed Section One, Phase One (Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Village in Lagos State) in June 2025, ahead of schedule. The ceremony was presided over by President Bola Tinubu. Both the coastal highway and the Odukpani-Itu road projects were initially flagged off in April 2025.
Umahi framed the coastal highway as the realisation of a 27-year-old dream of President Tinubu, comparing it to visionary projects like the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway envisioned by former President Shehu Shagari 47 years ago.
Stakeholders Express Confidence and Support
The inspection attracted key stakeholders who expressed strong support for the project. The Managing Director of Hitech, Mr. Dany Aboud, thanked the President for the opportunity and pledged to deploy more personnel and resources to meet the deadline.
Senator Mpigi Barinada, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, commended the quality of work. He urged Nigerians to appreciate the significant earthwork involved, especially given the challenging swampy terrain, which justifies the project's substantial cost.
The newly deployed Permanent Secretary for the Ministry, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, expressed high confidence in the project's timely completion. Technical officials, including the Acting Director of Highways, Engr. Musa Sa'idu, confirmed that the contractor was adhering to approved designs, using durable materials like grade 40 concrete. "When finished, it will outlive all of us," Sa'idu stated.
Ms. Gift Johnbull, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the South-South Zone, highlighted the project's economic impact. She described it as a generational game-changer that would enable farmers to transport goods like yams, palm oil, and garri to distant markets, thereby creating more wealth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
