The Delta State Government has warned contractors handling ongoing road projects in Ndokwa West Local Government Area to speed up work and maintain quality standards or risk contract revocation.
The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, issued the warning while inspecting several road projects in the area.
Aniagwu, who was accompanied by the Member representing Ndokwa West State Constituency, Hon. Charles Emetulu; the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon; the Director of Rural Roads, Engr. Solomon Akpotowho; and the Technical Assistant to the Governor, Engr. Bob Nakpodia, inspected several ongoing road projects in the area.
He stressed that the state government would not tolerate unnecessary delays or substandard work, insisting that contractors must strictly adhere to project timelines and agreed specifications.
According to him, the road projects are part of the deliberate efforts of the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to open up rural communities, link them with urban centres, and improve the living conditions of residents.
He explained that the inspection was aimed at ensuring that contractors comply with project timelines and the specifications contained in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME).
“We are doing these roads across the 25 local government areas of the state to open up rural communities and connect them with the cities so that life can be more livable for our people.
“Our coming here is to ensure that contractors meet their schedule of work and also comply with the specifications contained in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation,” Aniagwu said.
The commissioner noted that four projects were inspected during the visit, including the Etua-Ukpo/Etua-Etiti/Etua-Oliogo Road with a spur to Etua-Etiti, the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road (Phase 1), the Eweshi–Utagba-Uno Road, and the Inam-Abbi Access Road.
Aniagwu commended the contractor handling the Etua road project, Chioino Global Ventures, for the pace and quality of work, noting that significant progress had been recorded within a short period.
“I must commend the contractor because in less than one month we can see that they are moving with speed. The quality of work is also encouraging,” he said.
The project, awarded on February 13, 2026, at a cost of about ₦4.86 billion, covers 8.367 kilometres, with site clearance and earthworks already completed, while drainage construction has progressed to about 1,300 metres.
However, the commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on some other projects, particularly the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road (Phase 1), which was supposed to have been completed in October 2025.
He directed the contractor handling the project to ensure its completion within the next one and a half months.
Aniagwu also faulted the slow progress recorded on the Eweshi–Utagba-Uno Road, valued at ₦5.04 billion, which was scheduled for completion in March 2026.
“If the contractors do not change the trajectory of their movement within the next one month, we will take actions, including revocation and re-awarding of the contracts. No contractor will hold the government to ransom,” he insisted.
He emphasized that the state government had no reason to accept excuses from contractors since they are adequately mobilized.
According to him, contractors receive 40 percent mobilization once contracts are awarded, while the government promptly honours payment certificates once they are raised.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori pays as soon as certificates are raised, and contractors are mobilised with 40 percent of the contract sum. Therefore, the speed we expect from contractors cannot be compromised,” Aniagwu stated.
He also warned officials of the Ministry of Works and other ministries against certifying jobs that have not been executed, stressing that any officer found culpable would be made to refund the money and face dismissal.
Speaking during the inspection, the Member representing Ndokwa West State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Charles Emetulu, commended Governor Oborevwori for approving numerous infrastructure projects in the constituency.
Emetulu said the projects would directly impact the lives of the people by improving access to communities and facilitating the movement of agricultural produce to markets.
He, however, appealed to contractors to speed up work so that the communities could begin to benefit from the projects.
“This particular road is very dear to me because it is my community and the people have never seen a road like this before. We promised them during the campaigns, and it is important that the project is delivered on time,” he said.
When completed, the road projects are expected to significantly improve access, connectivity, and economic activities across communities in Ndokwa West Local Government Area.