Kingsley Ohens reporting For Urbanscoopnews
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to quality, speed, and accountability in the execution of infrastructure projects across the state, warning that contractors’ future engagements will be strictly determined by performance.
The governor gave the warning during a stakeholders’ meeting with major contractors handling key government projects, held at the Government House in Benin City. The meeting reviewed project status, timelines, quality benchmarks, causes of delays, and contractor accountability.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that while awarding contracts is important, effective supervision and proper execution are critical to delivering durable, value-driven infrastructure for the people of Edo State.
“One thing is to give a contract, another thing is to follow up, and the third is execution,” the governor said. “I have been visiting project sites and I can see work in progress, but I am not satisfied with the pace of some projects. Projects that are seven to nine months old should show more visible progress by now.”
While commending some firms, including CCECC and Setraco, for improved performance, the governor stressed that funding constraints are not responsible for project delays, noting that his administration has ensured prompt payment of contractors’ certificates.
“I can say it authoritatively that no contractor’s payment has been delayed. Nobody lobbied us to get paid,” he stated. “So if we are paying you quickly, you must also work fast and deliver within the agreed time.”
Governor Okpebholo warned against substandard execution and unnecessary contract revaluation, making it clear that his administration would not tolerate sharp practices.
“I don’t delay payments because I don’t want any form of revaluation. If you come tomorrow to ask for revaluation, I will never do it. Since payment is not delayed, you must deliver as agreed,” he said.
He further declared that future contracts would be strictly performance-based, stressing that only contractors who deliver quality projects on schedule would be considered for new jobs.
“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,” the governor said. “We want projects that will last for Edo people, so that future governors in 10 or 20 years can focus on other priorities.”
Citing recent inspections of Church Road and Ekenhuan Road in Benin City, the governor expressed concern about quality standards and drainage provisions, insisting that proper drainage systems must be constructed on both sides of Ekenhuan Road to ensure the longevity of the project.
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 approach to engaging contractors directly and accelerating project delivery, particularly during the dry season.
Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Mr. Nazilh Nasr of NAFRO Nigeria Limited, handlers of the Benin Technical Road project, praised Governor Okpebholo for prompt payments, noting that although the project commenced under the previous administration, the current government has consistently honoured its financial obligations.
“I want to thank the governor for this opportunity. Under the previous administration, our payments were delayed, but since this administration came in, our payments have been regular and we are not being owed,” he said.
Other dignitaries at the meeting included retired General Cecil Esekhaigbe, APC leader for Esan Central Senatorial District, and Mr. Sylvester Aigbobo, APC State Deputy Chairman, among others.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by contractors to accelerate project execution, strictly adhere to approved designs and quality standards, and maintain close communication with the Ministry of Works for timely resolution of challenges.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Patrick Akhere Ebojele, PhD, the engagement underscores Governor Okpebholo’s resolve to ensure that public resources translate into lasting infrastructure and tangible benefits for Edo citizens.
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