Sh*ckwave In Niger Delta: FG Abruptly Cancels ₦35 Billion Benin-Warri Road Deal

The project, which was being executed under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, was terminated due to the contractor’s poor performance.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a press briefing held after a meeting with the Chief Executives of GELD Construction Ltd and SKECC Nigeria Ltd. The meeting focused on the persistent delays affecting the road project and took place in Umahi’s office.

Also in attendance were the Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Goronyo; the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi; and senior directors from relevant departments.

A statement released in Abuja on Wednesday by Umahi’s Special Adviser on Media, Orji Uchenna Orji, confirmed the development. The Minister expressed deep dissatisfaction with Levant’s failure to meet its contractual obligations.

“We have three sections on that road. Levant handled one, but unfortunately, they failed to meet expectations,” Umahi explained. “We even had to appeal to the Edo State Governor to help repair the most critical stretches.”

He added that the worst parts of the road were divided into two, with Levant assigned one section while the Edo State Government took on the other 23-kilometre stretch, estimated at ₦35 billion. While work on the governor’s portion progressed well, Levant reportedly abandoned the site.

Despite being issued multiple warning letters and a final termination notice—which granted 14 days to return to site and resume work—Levant failed to comply.

Consequently, the Minister directed the Permanent Secretary to proceed with the formal contract termination, prepare a joint project measurement report, and notify the bank to initiate the process of recovering the Advance Payment Guarantee (APG).