Umahi Orders Arrest of Asaba-Onitsha Highway Under Construction

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has ordered the arrest of the Managing Director of Hartland Nigeria Limited over the alleged abandonment of the 11-kilometre Asaba-Onitsha road project after the contractor reportedly received about ₦14 billion.

The minister gave the directive on Thursday during an inspection of the First Niger Bridge and adjoining road projects linking Delta and Anambra States.

The affected road stretches from Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State, to Head Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Umahi expressed displeasure over the slow pace of work, stating that Hartland Nigeria Limited had completed only about 40 per cent of the agreed scope despite receiving substantial payment.

He directed officials of the Ministry of Works to locate the company's Managing Director and ensure his arrest.
“On the Summit Junction to this Head Bridge, we gave it to the contractor called Hartland and we paid them, I think, up to ₦14 billion. We reached an agreement that they would finish the 11 kilometres from the Summit Junction to this bridge with the money and do the channelisation and hydraulic structures. But today, they have done just about 40 per cent of the agreement,” Umahi said.

He added: “I am going to look for him and get him arrested. Controller, you look for the MD of Hartland and get the police to arrest him.”
The minister also directed the ministry to recover funds paid to the contractor through the banks and ordered a comprehensive review of certificates and payments associated with the company's projects.

He further instructed officials to immediately rehabilitate failed portions of the road around Head Bridge, noting that the deteriorating condition of the route was contributing to traffic congestion and hardship for motorists.

Umahi also raised alarm over the vandalisation of critical components of the First Niger Bridge, disclosing that vandals had removed expansion joints, bolts and steel components, including an overhead steel element considered important to the bridge's structure.

According to him, the extent of the damage was greater than initially portrayed on social media, making urgent remedial action necessary.

He directed officials to weld damaged components that could be salvaged, replace missing steel and bolts, and commence milling and asphalt works on affected sections of the bridge.

The minister explained that movement or shaking of the bridge did not necessarily indicate structural failure, noting that bridges were designed with bearings to permit controlled movement. He, however, said the heavy dead load created by asphalt would be addressed as part of the repair works.

Umahi said the Federal Government was considering restricting movement on the bridge at night to facilitate repairs while allowing traffic during the day to reduce disruption to commuters.
To prevent further vandalism, he announced plans to install solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras along the bridge.

He said the CCTV system would be connected to designated officials working with the police to monitor the facility and respond promptly to suspicious activities.
“This is not an APC problem. It is a national problem,” Umahi said, stressing that the protection of public infrastructure should be regarded as a collective responsibility.

He condemned the theft of metal components from concrete roads, parapets, bridges and other public facilities, describing the practice as reckless and unacceptable.

The minister also directed ministry controllers to arrest persons involved in illegal dredging and contractors who abandon dangerous sections of roads without putting adequate safety measures in place for motorists and other road users.

He instructed contractors handling the Asaba bypass to construct proper drainage systems on both sides of the road to prevent erosion and protect adjoining properties.

Umahi commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for paying compensation to property owners affected by the Second Niger Bridge access road.

He said the governor's action demonstrated concern for the welfare of residents and would contribute to accelerating the project while helping to reduce traffic pressure in Asaba.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to rehabilitating critical road infrastructure across the country, despite the scale of the challenges facing the sector.

He warned that contractors would be held accountable for their responsibilities and assured Nigerians that the government would take firm action to ensure that public projects deliver value.

Umahi also inspected a distressed section around the third abutment of the Second Niger Bridge after a social media user drew the Ministry's attention to the development.

He commended the individual for reporting the issue, saying the alert enabled ministry officials to promptly inspect the affected section and begin steps towards addressing the problem.