The Federal Government has cancelled the ₦35 billion contract awarded to Levant Construction Ltd for the reconstruction of Section 1 of the Benin-Sapele-Warri Road (Benin to Imasabor) following the company’s failure to meet expectations.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, made this known in Abuja after meeting with the heads of GELD Construction Ltd and SKECC Nigeria Ltd. These companies are handling other parts of the road project, which has experienced delays. Top officials, including the Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Goronyo, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, and several directors, were present during the meeting.
According to the Minister, the government had given Levant Construction multiple warnings and a final notice to return to the site after they abandoned work. The contractor was asked to handle a portion of the road while the Governor of Edo State took over another part. Despite the interventions, Levant failed to resume work within the 14-day period required after receiving the termination notice.
Following this, Umahi instructed the Permanent Secretary to officially end the contract and begin joint measurements of work done so far. He also asked for the bank involved to be contacted regarding a refund of the Advance Payment Guarantee (APG). If the company fails to refund the money, the government plans to involve the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Leave a Reply