The minister Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on the Outer Southern Expressway II (OSEX II) to Wasa road project.
Barrister Wike voiced his concerns while speaking to journalists after inspecting the ongoing construction of the 15-kilometer Left-Hand Carriageway of OSEX II, which stretches from Ring Road 1 to Wasa Junction. The inspection took place on Friday, September 27, 2024.
The Minister, visibly frustrated, revealed that he had been misled about the actual progress of the project. He explained that the contractor, China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), had initially promised to complete the project by December 2024, but was now indicating a new completion date of May 2025.
“I am not encouraged by what I’ve seen here. Yesterday, when I inspected the Apo-Karshi Road, which took us through Wasa, I was told the work was progressing well. CGC is a reputable company, but based on what I have seen, I am not happy with their performance on this road,” Wike stated.
“I summoned the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and CGC to come here today so we can assess the situation firsthand. Too often, we are told about percentages of work completed, but when I passed through here yesterday, there was no visible activity. It seems like equipment was only mobilized because I announced my visit today, and that is something I will not tolerate,” he added.
The Minister further disclosed that over 80 percent of the contract funds had already been paid to CGC, but in his view, less than 50 percent of the work had been completed. He directed the FCDA’s Director of Engineering Services to collaborate with CGC and revise the project’s work plan to ensure timely completion.
“CGC has now committed to completing the project by May 2025, but they must demonstrate their commitment. The only way I will accept this new deadline is if they show tangible progress. This road is critical to decongesting traffic and boosting economic activities in the area,” Wike emphasized.
He reiterated that the FCTA would not maintain any relationship with non-performing contractors, stressing the importance of routine inspections to ensure timely project execution. According to the Minister, relying solely on reports from contractors often fails to produce the desired results.
“We have no tolerance for contractors who don’t perform. Our stance is clear—if you don’t deliver, we will remove you. There are no sentiments involved. It doesn’t matter if you are an indigenous or foreign contractor; all that matters is the work. If you deliver, we will continue working with you. If you don’t, we will terminate your contract and hold you accountable. You can’t just collect our money and walk away without consequences,” Wike warned.
He further explained that contractors who fail to meet expectations would face sanctions, including financial penalties and being barred from future projects. “When we kick you out, there will be repercussions. You will not just leave without facing the consequences of failing to deliver,” he said.
The OSEX II/Wasa road project is considered a vital infrastructure initiative aimed at reducing traffic congestion and enhancing economic activities within the FCT. Once completed, the road will serve as a major route, helping to ease traffic flow in the southern part of the capital.
The inspection was attended by key officials from the FCTA, including the Director of Engineering Services of the FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, as well as senior staff members from CGC, led by the Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Lv Haiming.
