EFCC PROBES N14BN ASABA-ONITSHA ROAD PROJECT

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has commenced an investigation into the alleged abandonment of an 11-kilometre section of the Summit Junction-Asaba-Onitsha Head Bridge Road in Delta State.

The probe follows allegations that about N14bn was paid to Hartland Nigeria Limited for the rehabilitation of the road, which remains incomplete.

The development was brought to public attention after the Minister of Works, David Umahi, raised concerns over the project during an inspection of the road and adjoining bridge infrastructure.

Umahi reportedly said the contractor had received substantial payments but had completed only about 40 per cent of the work. He subsequently called for an investigation into the payments and certificates issued for the project.

An activist, David Ugolor, later petitioned the EFCC and other government agencies, requesting an independent investigation into the contract award, payments, procurement process and level of work completed.

The petition urged the authorities to establish the actual amount paid to the contractor and determine whether any public officials failed to act despite concerns over the project.

The EFCC investigation is expected to establish the facts surrounding the project and determine whether any wrongdoing occurred.