The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a 14-day ultimatum to contractors who have abandoned road projects to return to the sites or risk having their contracts revoked. Additionally, the government has threatened to involve anti-crime agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other related offences (ICPC), to investigate contractors who are opposing the use of concrete for road construction.

Senator Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, made this announcement after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Umahi expressed his determination not to yield to the pressure and blackmail from contractors and stated that President Tinubu supports the use of concrete in road reinforcement.

Umahi, who is an engineer by profession, emphasized that some contractors have already embraced the policy, and major cement producers have agreed to offer discounted prices for government road construction projects. He highlighted the advantages of cement roads over asphalt/bitumen, including lower costs and the promotion of local cement production instead of relying on imports of bitumen.

The Minister also cautioned contractors against engaging in deceptive practices, such as securing multiple projects but only deploying a minimal number of equipment units to the construction sites. He acknowledged the existence of elements within the system who are benefiting from such practices and pledged to expose and hand them over to the ICPC, as he believes that no one should hold the country hostage.

Further details regarding the specific actions to be taken against the contractors and the progress of the government's efforts will be provided at a later time. The government's firm stance reflects its commitment to addressing the issue of abandoned projects and ensuring accountability in the construction sector.

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