……FG To Audit N14bn Payments
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has threatened to order the arrest of the Managing Director of Hartland Nigeria Limited over alleged failure to deliver an 11-kilometre section of the Benin-Onitsha Expressway despite receiving about ₦14 billion.
Umahi issued the warning on Thursday during an inspection of federal road projects along the Agbor-Asaba-Onitsha corridor in Delta State. He expressed displeasure that the contractor had completed only about 40 per cent of the work.
The affected section runs from Summit Junction to the Head Bridge and includes channelisation and hydraulic structures.
“I’ve called the MD to discuss their return to the site. I am going to look for him and have him arrested. I’m going to arrest him,” the minister said.
He directed the ministry’s controller to locate and arrest the MD, and ordered immediate moves to recover funds paid to the company. Umahi also ordered an audit of Hartland’s payment records and certificates across all its projects, warning of sanctions if irregularities are found.
The minister further expressed concern over vandalism at the Second Niger Bridge, including the removal of bolts, steel members and expansion joints. He warned that the act could compromise the structure and lead to a catastrophic incident.
Umahi ordered immediate replacement of the damaged components and directed the installation of solar-powered lights and CCTV cameras, with access granted to ministry officials and security agencies.
He also inspected erosion damage around the bridge and directed remedial works to begin immediately.
On the Benin-Agbor road, Umahi blamed concessionaires for frustrating rehabilitation efforts and said the Federal Government was exploring options to restore smooth traffic.
He added that the old Niger Bridge would be resurfaced with asphalt and vandalised bolts replaced during night works, with temporary closures to minimise disruption.
