Nigeria Issues 14-Day Ultimatum to Chinese Contractor Over Failing Aba-Port Harcourt Road
21 October 2025 – Nigeria
Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a 14-day termination notice to China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) following what the government describes as substandard rehabilitation works on a major section of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway.
The warning, issued during a routine inspection on Sunday, 19 October, targets the Aba-bound lane of the expressway, a 43-kilometre stretch currently under construction by CCECC. The minister criticised the company’s construction methodology and cited repeated failures to meet quality standards and maintenance obligations.
“The entire road is on the verge of collapse,” Umahi said. “We have issued several warnings to the contractor. They have refused to act. It’s time to take decisive action.”
Port Harcourt-bound Section to Be Reassigned
As part of the federal government’s intervention, the Port Harcourt-bound section of the road — previously handled by CCECC — is to be removed from the company’s scope and reawarded to a competent indigenous contractor, Umahi confirmed.
The minister said the new contractor will be expected to commence work immediately, pending availability of funds.
Conditions for Continuation
CCECC must, within the 14-day window, remove and replace the defective binder layer — a key component in road surfacing — at its own cost, or face full termination of the project.
“They must commit in writing to milling out the binder and replacing it properly. Even if that will happen in the dry season, they must maintain the sections already completed,” the minister added.
Praise for Arab Contractors
In contrast, Umahi commended Arab Contractors O.A.O. Nigeria Limited for their work on Section II of the same expressway, covering the Umuahia Tower to Aba Rail/Road crossing. That 56-kilometre section is reportedly 85% complete and regarded by the ministry as one of the highest-performing road projects in the region.
The Minister directed closer supervision of road projects across Abia State, calling on federal project controllers to conduct weekly visits to ensure early detection of structural or cost-related issues.
