Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that his administration owes allegiance to the people of the state and not to contractors, reaffirming his commitment to quality, speed and accountability in the execution of public infrastructure projects.
The governor made the declaration during a stakeholders’ meeting with major contractors handling key projects across the state. The meeting, held at the Government House in Benin City, focused on reviewing project status, progress timelines, quality standards, causes of delays and contractor accountability.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, Okpebholo stressed that awarding contracts was only the beginning of the process and that proper monitoring and execution were critical to achieving durable and value-driven infrastructure.
“I’m happy you are here for this brief meeting. One thing is to give a contract, another thing is to follow up, and the third is execution,” the governor said.
While acknowledging that work was ongoing at several sites, Okpebholo expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of some projects, particularly those that had been awarded between seven and nine months ago.
“Projects that are seven to nine months old should have made more visible progress by now. The state government does not owe allegiance to any contractor but to the people of the state,” he said.
The governor reassured contractors that funding had never been an issue under his administration, noting that payments for certified works had been made promptly and without lobbying.
“I can say it authoritatively that no contractor’s payment has been delayed. If we are paying you quickly, you must also work fast and complete projects within the agreed time,” he added.
Okpebholo warned contractors against cutting corners or seeking unnecessary contract revaluation, stressing that his administration would not tolerate substandard work.
“I don’t delay payments because I don’t want any form of revaluation. If you come tomorrow to say I should revalue your contract, I will never do it. Since payment is not delayed, you must deliver as agreed,” he said.
He further disclosed that future contracts would be strictly performance-based, adding that contractors who deliver quality work on schedule would be prioritised for new projects, while underperforming firms would be sidelined.
The governor cited recent inspections of Church Road and Ekenhuan Road in Benin City, where he raised concerns about workmanship and drainage provisions. He insisted that proper drainage systems must be constructed on both sides of Ekenhuan Road to ensure durability and prevent flooding.
Earlier, the Special Adviser on Projects, Phoebe-William Bello, and the Commissioner for Works, Dr Felix Akhabue, commended the governor for convening the meeting, describing it as a proactive move to engage contractors directly and accelerate project delivery, especially during the dry season.
Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Mr Nazilh Nasr of NAFRO Nigeria Limited, handling the Benin Technical Road project, praised the governor for prompt payment of certificates. He noted that although the project began under the previous administration, Governor Okpebholo ordered its continuation and has consistently honoured payment obligations.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by contractors to speed up work, adhere strictly to approved designs and quality standards, and maintain close communication with the Ministry of Works to address challenges promptly.
