The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has revoked the contract for the construction of the Ekim–Odukpani section of the Calabar–Itu Highway due to the contractor’s inability to meet performance expectations.

The project, previously handled by Raycon Construction Company, failed to comply with the agreed terms, prompting the minister’s decisive action.

Umahi announced the termination during an inspection tour of the highway on Saturday.

He stated that the ministry would issue a stop-work order to Raycon and carry out a joint assessment of the work completed so far.

“This job was awarded as an intervention contract, taken over from Julius Berger due to the unreasonably high cost they proposed,” Umahi explained.

“We are disappointed with the contractor’s poor performance, which clearly shows a lack of capacity. This project is beyond their capability, so termination is necessary to bring in a competent firm.”

The minister assured that a new contractor, capable of completing the work to the required standard, would be engaged.

The Calabar–Itu Highway, part of the larger Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, has faced persistent delays and slow progress.

Minister Umahi had previously warned other contractors, including SEMATECH and RCC, about slow mobilization and performance issues.

Despite substantial government funding, some sections of the highway have shown minimal progress, raising concerns over potential delays and prompting consideration of further contract terminations.

A delegation from the United States Congress has arrived in Nigeria on a fact-finding mission amid growing concerns over insecurity and allegations of targeted attacks on Christians, issues that recently prompted former U.S President Donald Trump to re-designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”

The visit follows earlier discussions held in Washington, D.C, where Nigerian officials and U.S. lawmakers met to address shared security priorities.

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, confirmed the development on Sunday via his verified Facebook page.

He noted that the engagement focused on strengthening cooperation in counter-terrorism, promoting regional stability, and reinforcing strategic security ties between both nations.

Ribadu, who received the delegation on Sunday morning, expressed confidence that the ongoing dialogue would boost mutual trust and enhance joint efforts toward peace and security.

According to him, the visiting U.S lawmakers include Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, Rep. Norma Torres, Rep. Scott Franklin, Rep. Juan Ciscomani, and Rep. Riley M. Moore.

The U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, was also present at the meeting, underscoring the significance placed on the bilateral engagement.

Ribadu emphasized that the talks reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to addressing terrorism and instability, adding that the cooperation would continue to evolve in the interest of regional peace.

The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on Ndigbo both in Nigeria and the Diaspora to return home for Christmas celebrations, assuring them of security and peace throughout the South-East during the festive season.

In a statement on Sunday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful described the South-East as Nigeria’s “most tranquil” region, noting that security conditions have improved significantly despite what he called “sponsored instability” over the past four years.

Powerful urged Igbos not to be misled by “propaganda” against IPOB and its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), stressing that both organizations, with community support, have played a key role in maintaining relative calm.

“The global family of IPOB, under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, encourages Ndigbo planning to return home for Christmas to do so safely, as ESN operatives and IPOB volunteers will ensure security across the entire South-East region,” he said.

He added that the inherent peacefulness of the Igbo people has contributed to the stability of the region and encouraged returnees to consider investing in their homeland during the festive period.

Powerful also refuted viral social media claims about passenger kidnappings at Ngor Okpala along the Owerri–Aba Expressway, labeling the footage as “old” and “false.”

“The absence of ongoing killings and abductions in the South-East is proof that there are ‘Lions’ safeguarding the land,” he stated, explaining that ESN operations are conducted discreetly and do not have official social media accounts.

He further accused the Federal Government and some Igbo politicians of attempts to undermine IPOB and ESN, insisting that the Biafra restoration movement remains “a sacred initiative.”

Powerful concluded by urging Ndigbo to ignore fear-driven narratives about insecurity and return home in large numbers for Christmas.

“Celebrate with your families, invest in your homeland, and do not let fear or false insecurity reports deter you,” he added.