Works Minister David Umahi has threatened to arrest a contractor over alleged delays on an 11-kilometre section of the Benin-Onitsha Expressway.
The minister expressed anger after inspecting the road project in Delta State on Thursday.
He said Hartland Nigeria Limited had received about ₦14 billion but completed only 40 per cent of the work.
The affected section stretches from Summit Junction to Head Bridge and includes drainage and other water-control structures.
Umahi said he had already contacted the company’s managing director over the contractor’s return to site.
However, the minister said the company had failed to meet its obligations despite previous discussions.
“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,” Umahi said.
He directed ministry officials to locate the managing director and begin moves to recover funds paid to the contractor.
Umahi also ordered an audit of Hartland’s payments and project certificates across its various contracts.
He warned that the company could face sanctions if the review finds wrongdoing.
The minister also raised alarm over vandalism at the Second Niger Bridge.
He said vandals had removed bolts, steel parts and expansion joints from the major bridge.
Umahi warned that continued damage could threaten the bridge’s safety and cause a serious disaster.
He ordered the damaged parts replaced and directed the installation of solar lights and CCTV cameras.
Meanwhile, erosion damage around the Second Niger Bridge also received urgent attention during the inspection.
The Expressway project was another major concern during the minister’s visit.
Umahi ordered work to begin on damaged sections and said efforts were underway to improve traffic along the route.
He also announced plans to resurface the old Niger Bridge at night. The bridge will be temporarily closed during the work to allow the repairs to be completed safely.
