FG Terminates Calabar–Odukpani–Itu Road Project

The Federal Government has terminated the contract for a 9.7-kilometre section of the Calabar–Odukpani–Itu Road, being handled by Messrs Raycon and Company (Nigeria) Limited.

This development followed what it described as unsatisfactory performance and a slow pace of work.

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced the termination during an inspection tour of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and other Federal roads in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

Umahi, who was accompanied by members of the National Assembly and senior officials of the ministry, rejected the contractor’s complaint of non-payment.

He noted that the current policy requires measurable progress on site before mobilisation funds are issued.

He directed the Federal Controller of Works in Akwa Ibom State
to issue a stop-work order immediately and begin assessment of executed portions to enable payment for verified works.

To this end, the Minister ordered Messrs. Hitech Africa Construction Company to take over the project under emergency procurement and assured that the outstanding stretch would be completed within two months.

Earlier, the delegation had inspected Sections 3A and 3B of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway being executed by Hitech Africa Construction Company.

Umahi expressed satisfaction that the contractor was deploying modern equipment, skilled personnel, and quality concrete technology on the 71.4-kilometre segment which forms part of the 750-kilometre coastal superhighway.

He noted that Section I, Phase I of the project—Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Village in Lagos was completed and commissioned in June 2025 ahead of schedule.

The coastal route, according to Umahi, will be fitted with solar streetlights, CCTV monitoring, relief stations and rapid emergency response points with a maximum reaction time of 10 minutes.

He added that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration remained committed to completing all sections within 36 months.

Lawmakers, Ministry officials and community representatives commended the quality of work and described the highway as transformational for coastal states and national commerce.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South South), Ms Gift Johnbull, said completed sections would open access to markets for rural farmers, particularly in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

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