The Nigerian Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, has urged contractors to accelerate work on critical national roads or risk having projects re-scoped and reassigned to more competent firms.
The Minister made the statement while inspecting reconstruction works along key sections of the 750-kilometre highway spanning Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna States in Northwest Nigeria.
He emphasised the importance of compliance with approved standards, value for money, and timely project completion to ease transportation challenges and stimulate economic activities.
“I am personally leading senior officials of the Ministry across these states to verify the quality of work being delivered and to ensure that contractors live up to their responsibilities.
“I am also representing the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, GCON, to assess the level of work done and the degree of compliance with approved specifications,” Goronyo said.
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The Minister noted that while some sections of the project have recorded commendable progress, he expressed concern over the overall pace of execution, stressing the need for contractors to speed up work to reduce hardships faced by road users.
He cited the Sokoto–Tureta–Mafara section, which has reached about 27 per cent completion, as relatively encouraging. However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the Mafara–Maru–Gusau section, where progress stands at approximately 16 per cent, describing it as unsatisfactory.
The Minister warned that the Federal Government is prepared to restructure project scopes on underperforming sections, including restricting contractors to shorter distances and reassigning remaining portions to more capable firms if noticeable improvement is not achieved.
Mr. Goronyo highlighted that the adoption of concrete pavement technology under the Tinubu administration aims to deliver more durable, cost-effective and long-lasting road infrastructure nationwide.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about results. Nigerians deserve roads that last and projects that are completed on time, and this administration is committed to delivering just that,” the Minister stated.
The Minister and his team also engaged with host communities, assuring residents that outstanding compensation and project-related concerns would be addressed to ensure smooth and uninterrupted execution of the highway project.