Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered moves to arrest the Managing Director of Hartland Nigeria Limited over the company’s alleged failure to complete an 11-kilometre section of the Benin-Onitsha Expressway despite receiving about ₦14 billion for the project.
Umahi made the declaration during an inspection of road infrastructure along the Agbor-Asaba-Onitsha corridor in Delta State.
According to the minister, Hartland has completed only about 40 per cent of the work on the section between Summit Junction and Head Bridge. The project includes channelisation and hydraulic structures.
Umahi said he had previously contacted the company’s managing director over the contractor’s return to site but expressed frustration over the firm’s alleged failure to fulfil its obligations.
“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,” he said.
The minister subsequently directed the ministry’s controller to locate the managing director and ordered officials to begin moves to recover funds paid to the contractor.
He also ordered an audit of Hartland’s payment records and certificates across its projects, warning that the company would face sanctions if found wanting.
Umahi said the agreement with Hartland covered the completion of the entire 11km stretch, including channelisation and hydraulic structures. He described the level of work completed as unacceptable and directed that both sides of the Head Bridge approach be filled immediately.
Second Niger Bridge vandalism
During the inspection, Umahi also raised concerns over the vandalism of critical components of the Second Niger Bridge, including bolts, steel members and expansion joints.
He warned that continued removal of the bridge’s components could compromise its safety and potentially lead to a catastrophic incident.
The minister ordered the immediate replacement of damaged components and directed the installation of solar-powered lights and CCTV cameras to strengthen surveillance. Designated ministry officials and security agencies will have access to the CCTV feeds.
He also inspected erosion damage around the bridge and directed that remedial work begin immediately.
Benin-Agbor road rehabilitation
On deteriorating sections of the Benin-Agbor road, Umahi blamed concessionaires for frustrating efforts to rehabilitate failed portions.
He said the Federal Government was exploring measures to restore smooth movement along the corridor.
The minister also announced plans to resurface the old Niger Bridge with asphalt and replace vandalised bolts and nuts.
The rehabilitation is expected to take place at night to reduce disruption to motorists, with the bridge temporarily closed during the exercise.
