Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has dished out stern warning to contractors handling road projects in the state, saying quality, speed, and accountability in the execution of infrastructure projects would be yardstick for securing more contracts in the state.
He said that government does not owe allegiance to any contractor but to the people of Edo State.
The governor made this clarification during a stakeholders’ meeting with major contractors handling key projects in the state, held at the government house in Benin City.
The meeting was said to have been focused on a comprehensive review of project status, progress timelines, quality standards, causes of delays, and contractor accountability.
Governor Okpebholo stressed that awarding contracts is only the first step, noting that effective follow-up and proper execution are critical to achieving value-driven and durable infrastructure.
The governor said, “I’m happy you are here for this brief meeting. One thing is to give a contract, another thing is to follow up, and the third is execution.
“I have been visiting project sites and I can see work in progress, but I am not too happy with the pace of some of the projects. Projects that are seven to nine months old should have made more visible progress by now.”
While commending some contractors, including CCECC and Setraco, for improved performance, the governor made it clear that funding has never been an issue, as his administration has ensured prompt payment of contractors’ certificates.
According to him “I can say it authoritatively that no contractor’s payment has been delayed. Nobody lobbied us to get paid. So, if we are paying you quickly, you must also work fast and complete projects within the agreed time,”
Governor Okpebholo warned against any attempt to cut corners, emphasizing that his administration would not tolerate substandard work or unnecessary project revaluation.
He said, “I don’t delay payments because I don’t want any form of revaluation. If you come tomorrow to say I should revalue your contract, I will never do it. Since payment is not delayed, you must deliver as agreed,”
He further stressed that future contracts will be strictly performance-based.
“The faster and better you perform, the faster we give you new projects. If you are not doing well, you will not get another job. We want projects that will last for Edo people, so that the next governor in 10 or 20 years will focus on other priorities.”
The governor cited recent site visits, including Church Road and Ekenhuan Road in Benin City, where he expressed concern over quality and drainage provisions, insisting that proper drainage systems must be included on both sides of Ekenhuan roads to ensure longevity.
Earlier, the Special Adviser on Projects, Phoebe-William Bello and the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Dr. Felix Akhabue, commended the governor for convening the meeting, describing it as a proactive step to directly engage contractors and fast-track project delivery, especially during the dry season.
Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Mr. Nazilh Nasr of NAFRO Nigeria Limited, handling the Benin Technical Road project, commended governor Okpebholo for prompt payments.
He noted that although the project was initiated under the previous administration, the governor directed its continuation and has consistently honoured payment obligations.
” I want to thank the Governor for this opportunity and to say the previous government delayed our payment but since this administration, our payment has always been paid and you don’t owe us”. he said
