Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered the arrest of the Managing Director of Hartland Nigeria Ltd over alleged non-performance of an 11-kilometre road contract valued at about ₦14 billion.
Umahi gave the directive during an inspection of federal road projects along the Agbor-Asaba-Onitsha corridor in Delta State, expressing anger that the contractor had completed only about 40 per cent of the project despite receiving the funds.
The affected road stretches from Summit Junction to the head bridge, with the contract also covering channelisation and hydraulic structures.
The minister said he had previously contacted the company’s managing director over the need to return to the site, but alleged that the contractor failed to meet its obligations.
Umahi subsequently directed the ministry’s Controller to locate and arrest the Hartland MD.
He also ordered officials to activate the contractor’s Advance Payment Guarantee and begin moves to recover the money paid to the company.
The minister further directed an audit of Hartland’s payment records and certificates across its various projects with the Federal Ministry of Works, warning that the company would face sanctions if found wanting.
