Umahi Seeks Arrest Of Hartland MD Over Alleged Failure To Deliver ₦14bn Road Contract
28th August, 2026 | News
Umahi Threatens Arrest of Hartland MD Over ₦14bn Benin-Onitsha Road Contract
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has threatened to order the arrest of the Managing Director of Hartland Nigeria Limited over the company’s alleged failure to complete an 11-kilometre section of the Benin-Onitsha Expressway despite reportedly receiving about ₦14 billion for the project.
Umahi expressed his displeasure during an inspection of road infrastructure along the Agbor-Asaba-Onitsha corridor in Delta State, saying the contractor had completed only about 40 per cent of the assigned work.
The affected section stretches from Summit Junction to Head Bridge and includes channelisation and hydraulic structures.
The minister said he had previously contacted the company’s managing director over the need to return to the site but was frustrated by the contractor’s alleged failure to meet its obligations.
Umahi subsequently directed ministry officials to locate the managing director and ordered moves to recover funds paid to the company. He also directed an audit of Hartland’s payment records and certificates for all its projects.
The minister said the contractor’s performance was unacceptable and ordered immediate work on the Head Bridge approaches.
During the inspection, Umahi also raised concerns over the vandalism of critical components of the Second Niger Bridge, including bolts, steel members and expansion joints. He warned that continued vandalism could compromise the safety of the bridge.
He ordered the immediate replacement of damaged components and directed the installation of solar-powered lighting and CCTV cameras to strengthen surveillance.
Umahi also ordered urgent remedial work on erosion around the Second Niger Bridge and inspected deteriorating sections of the Benin-Agbor road.
The minister said the Federal Government was considering measures to address challenges caused by concession arrangements that have affected rehabilitation efforts along the corridor.
He further announced plans to resurface the old Niger Bridge and replace vandalised components. The rehabilitation work is expected to be carried out at night to reduce disruption to motorists, with the bridge temporarily closed during the exercise.