“Finish It or Forget It”: Governor Fubara Gives Contractor One Month Ultimatum to Complete Woji–Aleto–Alesa Road Project

In a decisive move that underscores his administration’s no-nonsense approach to infrastructure development, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has issued a one-month ultimatum to Raffoul Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling the 6.5-kilometre Woji–Aleto–Alesa road linking Woji in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area to the Port Harcourt Refinery. The Governor’s directive came with a stern warning — complete the project within the next thirty days or face immediate contract termination.

The Woji–Aleto–Alesa road, which is expected to serve as a vital link between the densely populated Obio/Akpor axis and the industrial heart of the state where the Port Harcourt Refinery is located, has been plagued by delays and slow progress, raising concerns among residents and commuters who depend on the route for daily economic and social activities. Governor Fubara, visibly displeased during his recent inspection of the site, expressed deep disappointment over the pace of work and the contractor’s inability to meet agreed timelines.

Speaking firmly during the inspection, Fubara emphasized that his administration would no longer tolerate sluggishness or inefficiency in the execution of government projects. “Rivers people deserve the best, and we cannot continue to reward mediocrity with patience,” the Governor stated. “We have shown good faith, provided funds, and offered every necessary support. Yet, what we are seeing here is far below expectation. This road is critical not only for ease of movement but also for the economic vitality of this state. If Raffoul Nigeria Limited cannot deliver within the next one month, we will not hesitate to revoke this contract and reassign it to a more competent contractor.”

The road project, which was awarded to Raffoul Nigeria Limited as part of the state’s broader infrastructural renewal initiative, was expected to improve connectivity between communities and boost access to the refinery and surrounding industrial zones. However, the continuous delay has caused untold hardship for residents and commuters who rely on the road for transportation. Many have complained of the difficulty in accessing their workplaces and markets, citing the poor state of the existing route, which worsens during rainfall.

Governor Fubara’s visit was part of a statewide inspection tour aimed at assessing ongoing projects and ensuring contractors adhere strictly to performance standards and deadlines. During the inspection, he was accompanied by top government officials, including the Commissioner for Works, who confirmed that the contractor had previously received warnings over slow performance. The Commissioner revealed that despite the state’s prompt release of funds, progress had remained discouraging, with portions of the road still far from completion.

Residents of the affected communities have welcomed the Governor’s ultimatum with a mixture of relief and hope. Speaking to reporters, a local shop owner in Woji, Mrs. Charity Nwokorie, expressed gratitude for the Governor’s intervention, saying, “We have suffered on this road for too long. The dust and bad portions have made it difficult for people to come to our shops. If this warning will make the contractor sit up, then God bless the Governor for taking this step.” Another resident, Mr. David Onu, echoed the same sentiment, noting that the project had been dragging for months with little visible progress. “We were beginning to lose hope,” he said. “The Governor’s visit shows he cares. We just hope the contractor takes the warning seriously.”

Inside sources within the Rivers State Ministry of Works disclosed that the project has reached only about 60 percent completion despite multiple mobilizations to site and adequate financial disbursements. The road, which features several culverts and drainage structures, is said to be a complex engineering task due to the terrain, but state officials insist that the delays are more about inefficiency than technical difficulty.

Governor Fubara’s latest ultimatum sends a strong signal to contractors handling public projects across Rivers State that the era of delay, abandonment, and excuses is over. Since assuming office, the Governor has made infrastructure renewal one of the cornerstones of his administration, pledging to deliver roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals that will improve the quality of life for the people of Rivers State. His administration has already completed several projects, including key road networks in Port Harcourt and other parts of the state, but has also shown readiness to call out non-performing contractors publicly.

Political observers see this move as part of Fubara’s strategy to assert control and reinforce his commitment to transparency and accountability. “This is not just about one road,” said a political analyst, Dr. Anthony Wodi. “This is a message to all contractors that the state will no longer be a dumping ground for abandoned projects. It also projects the Governor’s image as a leader who demands results and puts the interest of the people first.”

The Woji–Aleto–Alesa road, once completed, is expected to reduce traffic congestion in the busy Obio/Akpor corridor and serve as an alternative route to the East-West Road, particularly for those accessing the refinery and Eleme axis. The project has long been anticipated to improve logistics for businesses and enhance property value in adjoining communities. However, the repeated delays have frustrated many residents, prompting calls for greater accountability.

Raffoul Nigeria Limited, the contractor at the center of the controversy, has so far maintained silence following the Governor’s directive. Attempts to reach company representatives for comment were unsuccessful, but insiders claim the firm has blamed weather conditions and unforeseen site challenges for the delay. Nevertheless, government officials insist that such excuses will no longer hold water, given the amount of time and resources already invested.

Governor Fubara concluded his inspection with a renewed promise that his administration would not allow any project to become a monument of failure. “We owe our people results,” he said firmly. “Every contractor working with the Rivers State Government must understand that this administration stands for discipline, excellence, and delivery. Anyone not ready to meet those standards should prepare to step aside.”

As the one-month countdown begins, all eyes are now on Raffoul Nigeria Limited to see whether it will rise to the challenge or lose the lucrative contract. For residents of Woji, Aleto, and Alesa, the Governor’s ultimatum represents a long-awaited glimmer of hope that the long-standing project will finally be completed. And for many observers, the incident stands as another defining moment in Fubara’s leadership — one that reaffirms his resolve to transform Rivers State into a model of infrastructural progress and good governance, with no room for delay, excuses, or mediocrity.

Governor Fubara’s action has once again set a tone of urgency and responsibility across the state’s construction sector, reminding contractors that the era of endless extensions is over. The next few weeks will reveal whether this ultimatum will spur completion or lead to a dramatic revocation — but one thing is certain: the people of Rivers State are watching closely, and this time, they expect results.