Nigerian govt to take decisive action against Minna-Suleja Road contractor over lack of progress

Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Wednesday, strongly condemned the deplorable condition of the Abuja-Minna federal road, expressing shock and disappointment at the lack of progress made by the contractor, Salini Nigeria Limited.

During a stakeholders’ engagement on the construction of the 125KM three-lane single carriage of the Niger State component of the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry super highway, Umahi revealed that he traveled by road from Abuja and saw no evidence of work done by the contractor.

“What I saw on that road was very disturbing,” Umahi said. “It was said to have been completed 84.5 percent and even paid for, and I was forced to stop and ask ‘Where do we start counting this 84.5 percent?’ and they could not tell us. So, nothing was done.”

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Umahi’s comments come as Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, called for the revocation of the Minna-Suleja road contract awarded to Salini Nigeria Ltd, citing the company’s lack of capacity to execute the project.

Umahi echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are going to take decisive action on that road. There is no way we can allow a project to be as old as 14 years and the contractor is receiving an annual budget.”

In contrast, Umahi highlighted the transformative economic benefits of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway project, which boasts 68 dams, factories, and irrigation systems. Initiated by President Bola Tinubu.

“I have seen clips of the federal road in Niger State,” Umahi said. “I was very happy to see it, and I want Nigerians to see that this is just the tip of the iceberg of the inherited projects of Mr. President.”

Umahi urged the people of Niger State to be patient and supportive of Tinubu’s vision, emphasizing the long-term benefits of this strategic investment.

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