By Asuquo Cletus
The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to SEMATECH Nigeria Limited over its failure to complete several road construction projects nationwide, threatening to terminate existing contracts if immediate action is not taken.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, made this declaration on Monday in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, during the official flag-off ceremony of the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Expressing deep dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work and the neglect of critical infrastructure, Umahi criticized the contractorโs performance and issued a clear ultimatum.
“Let me warn SEMATECH โ before, I defended them to the Governor of Cross River. But if there is no improvement on that road โ and Iโm happy that the Minister of State and our Permanent Secretary are here โ we will terminate it,” Umahi said.
He also addressed Roycon, another contractor, expressing displeasure over delays despite receiving project approvals months earlier.
“Roycon, we awarded you contracts on the sections we terminated from the previous merger. You say youโre mobilizing, but we donโt see much mobilization. Two months ago, the President approved the contract. You havenโt started. If by the time we visit the site you havenโt begun work, we will terminate the contract again โ in the interest of the people,” he warned.
The minister went on to praise President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a visionary leader capable of delivering major infrastructure projects.
“This is not the President some people think isnโt smart. Let me tell you, smartness is another name for Mr. President. Only he can complete 750 km from Sokoto to Kaduna, 700 km from Abuja to Zaria, and now this 750 km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.”
According to Umahi, the affected projects include crucial federal roads such as the Calabar-Itu road, which connects Calabar to Akwa Ibom and other key cities. He emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure and stated that no contractor would be allowed to delay progress.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State described the Coastal Highway as a vital economic artery for the region.
Otu highlighted the project’s importance for national connectivity, noting that it will traverse multiple communities in Cross River State, including Awi, Njahasang, Oduyama, Ikot Okon Akiba, Obot Ekpo, Atan Okoyong, Ekemikpon, Mikpara Otop, Kaifa, Nduoduo, Oboroko, Esuk Ekom, Nkita, and Ekong Atan Oku, before linking with the Calabar River Bridge to Akwa Ibom State.
“It will be recalled that when Calabar was the seat of the defunct Southern Fraternity, the city was a hub for transatlantic trade, conducted primarily through maritime routes,” he said.
“With this ambitious construction of the Coastal Highway, Calabar’s historic status will be reaffirmed as a key economic gateway โ accessible by land, air, and sea.”
He emphasized the highwayโs role beyond infrastructure, describing it as an economic enabler, job creator, and a platform for regional integration and cultural exchange.
The governor also cited the recent groundbreaking of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone in the state, noting that the highway would provide a seamless route for transporting goods to both local and international markets.
Governor Otu urged residents of Cross River to seize the economic opportunities the highway presents, encouraging a revival of entrepreneurial spirit. He reaffirmed the state governmentโs commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
