Inside Edo
'No More Corner-Cutting in Infrastructure Projects', Okpebholo warns contractors
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
21 Jan 2026 04:52 AM
Benin, Edo – In a bold move underscoring his administration's commitment to integrity and durability in public works, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued a stern warning to contractors: there will be no excuses for substandard work, no cutting corners, and no renegotiations on contracts.
During a high-stakes stakeholders' meeting held Tuesday in Benin City, the governor emphasized that his government owes its allegiance solely to the people of Edo State, not to contractors, and that all projects must be executed to the highest standards to ensure they "stand the test of time."
The meeting, which brought together major contractors handling key infrastructure initiatives across the state, focused on reviewing project statuses, timelines, quality benchmarks, and accountability measures.
Governor Okpebholo highlighted that while some sites show commendable progress, others lag in pace and quality, which he deemed unacceptable.
"Funding is not an issue under my administration, as contractors are paid promptly," he stated
He reiterated this during the meeting, noting that prompt payments eliminate any justification for delays or shortcuts.
Key to the governor's message was a zero-tolerance policy for corner-cutting.
"There will be no excuses, no corner-cutting, and no contract revaluation. Every project must be delivered exactly as agreed and built to last," Okpebholo declared.
He warned that future contract awards would be strictly performance-based: those who deliver quality work on time would secure ongoing partnerships, while underperformers would be sidelined.
This approach, he argued, ensures value-driven infrastructure that benefits Edo residents long-term, allowing future administrations to focus on new priorities rather than repairs.
The governor referenced recent site visits to underscore his points, including inspections of Church Road and Ekenhuan Road in Benin City, where concerns over drainage and overall quality were raised.
He insisted on comprehensive drainage systems to enhance project longevity, vowing that substandard execution would not be tolerated.
Critics, however, pointed to ongoing challenges such as insecurity, which Okpebholo has pledged to address as part of his infrastructure push.
Okpebholo's administration has also made headlines for other integrity-focused claims, including assertions that no bribes have been paid by contractors since he took office.
By enforcing these standards, the governor aims to foster a culture of excellence in Edo's development projects, ensuring that public funds yield enduring benefits without compromise.
This development comes amid broader efforts to accelerate infrastructure in the state, with ongoing projects including road expansions and community links.
As the rainy season approaches, Okpebholo has vowed continued monitoring to prevent setbacks, signaling a no-nonsense era for contractors in Edo State.
During a high-stakes stakeholders' meeting held Tuesday in Benin City, the governor emphasized that his government owes its allegiance solely to the people of Edo State, not to contractors, and that all projects must be executed to the highest standards to ensure they "stand the test of time."
The meeting, which brought together major contractors handling key infrastructure initiatives across the state, focused on reviewing project statuses, timelines, quality benchmarks, and accountability measures.
Governor Okpebholo highlighted that while some sites show commendable progress, others lag in pace and quality, which he deemed unacceptable.
"Funding is not an issue under my administration, as contractors are paid promptly," he stated
He reiterated this during the meeting, noting that prompt payments eliminate any justification for delays or shortcuts.
Key to the governor's message was a zero-tolerance policy for corner-cutting.
"There will be no excuses, no corner-cutting, and no contract revaluation. Every project must be delivered exactly as agreed and built to last," Okpebholo declared.
He warned that future contract awards would be strictly performance-based: those who deliver quality work on time would secure ongoing partnerships, while underperformers would be sidelined.
This approach, he argued, ensures value-driven infrastructure that benefits Edo residents long-term, allowing future administrations to focus on new priorities rather than repairs.
The governor referenced recent site visits to underscore his points, including inspections of Church Road and Ekenhuan Road in Benin City, where concerns over drainage and overall quality were raised.
He insisted on comprehensive drainage systems to enhance project longevity, vowing that substandard execution would not be tolerated.
Critics, however, pointed to ongoing challenges such as insecurity, which Okpebholo has pledged to address as part of his infrastructure push.
Okpebholo's administration has also made headlines for other integrity-focused claims, including assertions that no bribes have been paid by contractors since he took office.
By enforcing these standards, the governor aims to foster a culture of excellence in Edo's development projects, ensuring that public funds yield enduring benefits without compromise.
This development comes amid broader efforts to accelerate infrastructure in the state, with ongoing projects including road expansions and community links.
As the rainy season approaches, Okpebholo has vowed continued monitoring to prevent setbacks, signaling a no-nonsense era for contractors in Edo State.
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