The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to contractors handling major federal road projects across the country, directing them to immediately resume work or face possible investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Umahi gave the directive during an inspection of the Abuja–Lokoja highway project, where he expressed concern over delays and cases of abandoned work despite payments already made to some contractors. He warned that any contractor who fails to remobilize to site within the deadline risks being reported to anti-graft and security agencies.

The Minister also stated that supervising engineers will not be spared if found culpable, stressing that accountability must extend beyond contractors to those overseeing project execution.

According to him, the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu has approved funding for key infrastructure projects, and there is no justification for prolonged delays or poor performance.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring timely delivery of road projects, improving infrastructure, and ensuring value for public funds, while warning that the era of abandoned projects is coming to an end.