Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Federal Government has expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of construction work on the Lokoja–Abuja highway, warning contractors handling sections of the critical corridor to urgently improve performance or risk sanctions.The Presidency’s Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement, North Central, Abiodun Essiet, gave the warning during an inspection tour of ongoing federal road projects in Kogi State, where she described progress on key sections of the highway as far below expectations.In a statement issued by the Ministry of Works on Tuesday, Essiet said she was disappointed by the level of work done months after contractors were directed to scale up deployment and accelerate construction.She recalled that the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, had last year terminated four road contracts in Kogi State due to poor performance, warning that similar actions could be taken if contractors failed to meet agreed timelines.Representing the President at the ceremony, Essiet described the completed project as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring vital road infrastructure.Community leaders and professional bodies, including representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, commended the intervention, citing improved safety and a reduction in accidents since the works were completed.