The federal government has directed contractors handling ten ongoing federal road projects in Niger State to return to their sites immediately or risk contract termination.
The decision followed concerns over delays and substandard work despite receiving advance payments.
The directive was issued during a high-level meeting convened by the Minister of Works, David Umahi which was held on November 15, 2024, in Minna, Niger State with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, Minister of State for Works Bello Muhammad Goronyo, members of the National Assembly, representatives of the contractors and other key stakeholders in attendance.
Expressing dissatisfaction, Umahi criticized the contractors for failing to deliver on their obligations, which he lamented has caused hardship for road users and hindered the state’s development.
While he emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration prioritizes speed, quality, and value for money, the Minister warned that there would be consequences for contractors who would collect money for projects and would delay or do sub-standard jobs or lack in capacity to deliver the projects in line with the policy direction of the administration which emphasizes speed, quality, and value for money.
Governor Bago lamented that contractor delays have worsened Niger State’s socio-economic and security challenges.
He specifically called for the revocation of Salini Nigeria Ltd.’s contracts, which have been pending since 2010, citing poor capacity.
According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Uchenna Orji on Saturday, in the communique issued at the end of the meeting, the stakeholders resolved, among others that the contracts handled by Salini Nig. Ltd were deemed substandard, leading to a decision to terminate and re-award them through due process.
CGC Nig. Ltd was directed to prioritize work on critical stretches like Agaie-Bida and Mokwa-Makera roads, with funding assistance promised.
They were also advised to repair areas of the Bida-Lapai-Lambata Road that were showing defects despite being praised for community contributions.
Gilmor Engineering Nig. Ltd was warned against project delays attributed to security concerns and instructed to collaborate with the state government for assistance.
GR Building and Construction Nig. Ltd was commended for its progress on the Agaje-Katcha-Baro Road, with assured funding earmarked in the 2025 budget to expedite the project.
Develeco Nig. Ltd’s contract was adjusted as the Niger State government took over a 20km stretch.
Gerawa Global Engineering Ltd was commended but urged to deploy additional resources for faster progress.
A feedback mechanism was initiated, with a review meeting scheduled for January 2025 to assess contractors’ performance.
