By Ade Iyamoye
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has declared that contractors handling the Abuja-Kano Expressway must meet strict performance standards, warning that mobilisation payments will no longer be automatic.
During a weekend inspection of the Zuba interchange, Umahi emphasized that contractors must demonstrate financial capacity and be on-site for at least 30 days before receiving funds.
“The Procurement Act says mobilisation ‘may’ be paid, not ‘must.’ If you claim financial strength, start work immediately,” he stated.
The N252 billion project, scheduled for completion in 14 months, is set to begin reinforced concrete paving by mid-March. Meanwhile, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), is reviewing Section 2 of the project for final approval.
Umahi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing engineering standards, adding that despite terminating Julius Berger’s contract for this project, the firm remains engaged in other critical infrastructure works.
