Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has directed officials of his ministry to locate and arrest the Managing Director of Hartland Nigeria Limited over the contractor’s alleged failure to complete an 11-kilometre section of the Benin-Onitsha Expressway despite receiving about ₦14 billion for the project.

Umahi issued the directive on Thursday during an inspection of road infrastructure along the Agbor-Asaba-Onitsha corridor in Delta State.

The minister expressed dissatisfaction with the contractor’s performance, noting that only about 40 per cent of the affected section had been completed.

The section, which runs from Summit Junction to the Head Bridge, involves channelisation and the construction of hydraulic structures.

Umahi said he had previously contacted the company’s managing director over the need for the contractor to return to the site but expressed frustration over the company’s failure to honour its obligations.

“I’ve called the MD to discuss their return to the site. I am going to look for him and have him arrested. I’m going to arrest him,” the minister said.

He subsequently directed the ministry’s controller to locate the managing director and ensure his arrest, while ordering officials to begin the process of recovering funds allegedly paid to the contractor.

The minister also ordered an audit of Hartland Nigeria Limited’s payment records and certificates across all projects being handled by the company.

He warned that the contractor would face appropriate sanctions if the audit established that it had failed to meet its contractual obligations.

According to Umahi, the agreement with Hartland was for the completion of the entire 11-kilometre stretch, including the channelisation and hydraulic structures.

He described the level of work executed so far as unacceptable and directed that both sides of the Head Bridge approach be filled immediately.

During the inspection, Umahi also raised concerns over the vandalisation of critical components of the Second Niger Bridge.

He identified stolen or damaged items including bolts, steel members and expansion joints, warning that the continued removal of vital components could compromise the structural integrity and safety of the bridge.

The minister directed the immediate replacement of the damaged components and ordered the installation of solar-powered lighting and closed-circuit television cameras to strengthen surveillance around the bridge.

He said designated officials of the Ministry of Works and security agencies would have access to the CCTV feeds to monitor activities around the infrastructure.

Umahi also inspected areas affected by erosion around the Second Niger Bridge and directed that remedial works commence immediately.

On the deteriorating portions of the Benin-Agbor road, the minister blamed concessionaires for frustrating efforts by the Federal Government to rehabilitate failed sections of the highway.

He said the government was considering measures to restore smooth traffic flow and improve the condition of the strategic corridor.

Umahi further disclosed that the old Niger Bridge would undergo asphalt resurfacing, while vandalised bolts and nuts on the bridge would also be replaced.

He said the rehabilitation work would be carried out at night to minimise disruption to motorists.

The bridge is expected to be temporarily closed during the exercise to allow the rehabilitation works to be completed safely and efficiently.