Aniagwu Inspects Ndokwa West Roads, Threatens Contract Revocation Over Slow Pace
Delta Government Steps Up Monitoring of Road Projects
THE Delta State Government has issued a strong warning to contractors handling road construction projects in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, cautioning them against delays and substandard work.
The warning was delivered by the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, during an inspection tour of several ongoing infrastructure projects in the council area.
Aniagwu said contractors must adhere strictly to project timelines and engineering specifications or risk having their contracts revoked and reassigned.
He emphasised that the government would not tolerate negligence or poor-quality construction, noting that road development remains a key priority of the administration of Sheriff Oborevwori.
According to him, the inspection was aimed at ensuring that contractors comply with project requirements outlined in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME).
Infrastructure Drive to Open Rural Communities
Aniagwu explained that the ongoing road construction projects form part of the state government’s broader plan to expand infrastructure across rural areas and improve connectivity between communities and urban centres.
“We are doing these roads across the 25 local government areas of the state to open up rural communities and connect them with the cities so that life can be more livable for our people,” he said.
The commissioner was accompanied on the inspection by the member representing Ndokwa West in the Delta State House of Assembly, Charles Emetulu; the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Festus Ahon; Director of Rural Roads, Solomon Akpotowho; and the Governor’s Technical Assistant, Bob Nakpodia.
The delegation assessed progress on four major projects currently under construction in the area.
Projects Under Review
Among the projects inspected were the Etua-Ukpo/Etua-Etiti/Etua-Oliogo Road with a spur to Etua-Etiti, the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road (Phase 1), the Eweshi–Utagba-Uno Road, and the Inam-Abbi Access Road.
Aniagwu expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the Etua road project being handled by Chioino Global Ventures.
He noted that the contractor had recorded significant progress within a short period.
“I must commend the contractor because in less than one month we can see that they are moving with speed. The quality of work is also encouraging,” he said.
The road project, awarded on 13 February 2026, at a cost of about ₦4.86 billion, spans approximately 8.367 kilometres. Site clearing and earthworks have been completed, while drainage construction has reached about 1,300 metres.
Concerns Over Slow Progress
Despite the progress recorded on some projects, the commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on others.
He singled out the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road (Phase 1), which was originally scheduled for completion in October 2025 but remains unfinished.
Aniagwu directed the contractor handling the project to ensure its completion within the next six weeks.
He also criticised the slow progress on the Eweshi–Utagba-Uno Road project valued at about ₦5.04 billion, which had been scheduled for completion in March 2026.
“If the contractors do not change the trajectory of their movement within the next one month, we will take actions, including revocation and re-awarding of the contracts,” he warned.
“No contractor will hold the government to ransom.”
Strict Accountability Measures
Aniagwu stressed that contractors had no justification for delays because the state government provides adequate financial mobilisation at the start of projects.
According to him, contractors typically receive 40 percent of the contract sum as mobilisation once projects are awarded.
He also said the administration of Governor Oborevwori promptly honours payment certificates once they are submitted.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori pays as soon as certificates are raised,” Aniagwu said.
He also issued a stern warning to officials within the Ministry of Works and other government agencies, cautioning them against approving payment for projects that have not been properly executed.
According to him, any officer found culpable would be required to refund the funds and face dismissal from service.
Community Impact and Legislative Support
Speaking during the inspection, legislator Charles Emetulu commended the state government for approving several infrastructure projects in Ndokwa West.
He noted that the roads would significantly improve access to communities and enhance economic activities by making it easier for farmers to transport agricultural produce to markets.
“This particular road is very dear to me because it is my community and the people have never seen a road like this before,” he said.
Emetulu urged contractors to speed up construction so that residents could begin to enjoy the benefits of the projects.
When completed, the road projects are expected to improve connectivity, boost economic activity and enhance living conditions for residents across communities in Ndokwa West.
