Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has ordered the arrest of the Managing Director of Heartland Nigeria Ltd over the alleged failure of the company to complete an 11-kilometre road project despite receiving about N14 billion.
Umahi gave the order during an inspection of road infrastructure along the Agbor-Asaba-Onitsha corridor.
The minister said the contractor had completed only about 40 per cent of the agreed work despite receiving the funds.
“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 declared.
He subsequently directed the Controller: “Controller, look for the MD of Heartland and arrest him.”
The minister also directed ministry officials to begin the process of recovering the money paid to the contractor.
“Engineer Musa, tell the Directors of C&R to call up the APG immediately. You have to write to the banks to refund that money to us,” he ordered.
Umahi said the contract covered the 11-kilometre stretch from Summit Junction to the head bridge, including channelisation and hydraulic structures.
“When I paid them that money, we reached an agreement: they were to finish 11 kilometres from Summit Junction to this head bridge with that money, as well as handle the channelization and hydraulic structures. That was the agreement.
“Today, they have only completed about 40 per cent of what was agreed upon,” he said.
He described the contractor’s performance as unacceptable and directed that both sides of the bridge approach be filled immediately.
“Look at the kind of mess we are dealing with! Failing to do even simple filling on the road is pure wickedness,” Umahi said.
He directed that the work be completed by the following morning.
The minister also ordered an audit of the contractor’s payment records and certificates, warning that the company would face sanctions.
“They must submit all their payment records and certificates. Execute this instruction and report back to me. This is very important. Audit every one of their certificates across all jobs we are going to sanction Heartland,” he said.
Umahi also expressed anger over vandalism on the Second Niger Bridge, saying bolts, steel members and expansion joints had been removed.
“We are not mad dogs. We can’t be suffering to fix these things while the public is busy removing them. It’s not possible. Where is the money to fix it?” he asked.
He warned that continued vandalism could have catastrophic consequences.
“The Ministry does not have an emergency fund to attend to this, and if this is not attended to, it can result in a catastrophic situation. I am visibly very angry about this situation, and it is unacceptable,” he said.
The minister directed immediate repairs and ordered the installation of additional security measures, including solar lighting and CCTV cameras.
He also inspected erosion damage affecting the Second Niger Bridge and directed that remedial action be taken immediately.
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