The Traffic

FG Stops Sagamu-Iperu Road Project Over Poor Workmanship — Umahi Issues 7-Day Ultimatum

By Achimi Muktar

In a bold and unexpected move, the Federal Government has ordered an immediate stop to construction on the 12km Sagamu-Iperu Road, citing substandard materials and shoddy workmanship.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, issued the directive during a fiery inspection tour of ongoing road projects across Lagos and Ogun states on Thursday, expressing deep dissatisfaction with both the quality and pace of the project.

“This is unacceptable,” Umahi declared. “The stone base being used is subpar, and the necessary milling equipment is nowhere to be seen.”

He promptly gave the contractor a seven-day ultimatum to remove the defective stone base, bring in the correct milling machines, and restart the work using the right materials. Failure to comply, he implied, could lead to even harsher sanctions.

But the road wasn’t the only problem Umahi uncovered.

During his inspection, the minister also observed structural defects on bridge components near the site, including rusted reinforcement rods on some piers and retaining walls in poor condition.

“That is very dangerous,” he warned. “If any of them should collapse, reconstruction will cost multi-billions of Naira. Right now, with immediate intervention, it can still be amended at a fraction of that cost.”

In an urgent push to avert disaster, Umahi said he had instructed the design head to stay behind and work through the weekend to deliver a comprehensive design and costing plan — one he plans to present directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for swift action.

“This is very urgent,” Umahi said. “We cannot afford to gamble with lives and national resources.”

As the federal government clamps down on substandard infrastructure and demands accountability, the Sagamu-Iperu project now stands as a cautionary tale — and a clear sign that the new administration is taking no prisoners on quality and safety.