Works minister threatens Hartland MD over alleged failure to complete 11km stretch despite receiving about ₦14bn.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has threatened to order the arrest of 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 issued the warning on Thursday during an inspection of road infrastructure along the Agbor-Asaba-Onitsha corridor in Delta State, expressing dissatisfaction that the contractor had completed only about 40 per cent of the affected section.
The project, which runs from Summit Junction to Head Bridge, includes channelisation and hydraulic structures. Umahi said the level of work was unacceptable and directed ministry officials to take steps to recover funds paid to the contractor.
“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 the ministry’s controller to locate the managing director and commence the process of recovering payments made to the company. He also ordered an audit of Hartland’s payment records and certificates across its various projects, warning that sanctions would follow if the contractor was found to have violated its obligations.
The minister further directed that both sides of the Head Bridge approach be filled immediately.
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, warning that continued damage could compromise the structure’s safety.
He ordered the immediate replacement of the vandalised components and directed the installation of solar-powered lights and CCTV cameras to strengthen surveillance, with designated ministry officials and security agencies to have access to the footage.
Umahi also directed immediate remedial works on erosion around the Second Niger Bridge.
On the deteriorating Benin-Agbor road, the minister blamed concessionaires for frustrating rehabilitation efforts and said the Federal Government was exploring measures to restore smooth traffic along the corridor.
He added that the old Niger Bridge would be resurfaced with asphalt, while vandalised bolts and nuts would also be replaced. The rehabilitation is expected to be carried out at night, with the bridge temporarily closed to traffic during the exercise.