The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to contractors handling the rehabilitation of the Abuja–Lokoja highway to fully mobilise to site or risk sanctions, including possible prosecution by anti-graft agencies.

Umahi warned that contractors who have received government funds but failed to deliver on agreed projects would no longer be tolerated.

“If you are holding the money of the Federal Government, you have to bring it out and do the job, or we start going to the police and the EFCC,” he said.

The minister gave the directive on Tuesday during an inspection visit to the project site alongside members of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Works.

He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had already approved funding for the project and stressed that contractors must immediately deploy equipment and personnel to site.

“I’m giving you 72 hours to effectively deploy on this road and utilise the money. The President has graciously approved the funds, and everyone involved must fulfil their obligations,” he added.

Umahi also warned that officials of the Ministry of Works would be sanctioned if found guilty of poor supervision or negligence on projects under their watch.

According to him, both contractors and supervising engineers must ensure strict compliance with contractual terms to avoid delays, substandard work or misuse of public funds.

While acknowledging some progress on parts of the project, the minister expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the Abuja-bound carriageway, warning that over 90 per cent of the lane has been badly damaged and could become impassable if urgent intervention is not carried out.

He further directed that no contractor should remove existing asphalt on any section of the highway without prior approval from the Ministry of Works.

Umahi assured that outstanding payments under previous agreements would be settled once the approved funds are released.