Ebonyi Moves To Revoke Delayed Rural Road Contracts, Gives September Deadline

The Ebonyi State Government has commenced the process of terminating contracts for several abandoned 2-kilometre rural road projects across the state over prolonged delays in execution.

Commissioner for Special Projects, Dr. Ngozi Obichukwu, announced the decision after a meeting with the affected contractors in Abakaliki, saying the move follows a directive from the State Executive Council (EXCO) aimed at ensuring timely completion of public infrastructure projects.

According to the commissioner, the meeting was convened to identify the challenges responsible for the slow pace of work, but stressed that contractors who have failed to meet agreed timelines risk losing their contracts.

She noted that the rural road projects were initiated by Governor Francis Nwifuru to improve access to agrarian communities, facilitate the transportation of farm produce, and stimulate local economic development.

Obichukwu said communities where the projects have progressed are already experiencing improved living conditions, better connectivity, and easier movement of agricultural produce to urban markets.

She acknowledged that some contractors cited difficult terrain and delays in payment certification as factors affecting project delivery, adding that the Ministry of Special Projects would strengthen project monitoring to ensure value for money and strict compliance with contractual timelines.

The commissioner explained that the latest action follows concerns raised by the State Executive Council over the slow implementation of the road projects across the three senatorial districts.

As part of measures to fast-track completion, EXCO has directed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to conclude the legal process for terminating all affected contracts.

The council also constituted Special EXCO Committees in the state’s 13 local government areas to supervise the completion of the road projects before September 2026.

In addition, the Commissioner for Special Projects has been directed to carry out a comprehensive inventory of all affected project sites ahead of the government’s administrative takeover.