Revoke Minna-Suleja road contract,Bago urges Minister of works.
FROM SAMSON ALFA, MINNA.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger state has expressed dismay over the slow pace of MINNA- Suleja road projects under construction for the past ten years and urged the Minister of Works, to revoke the contract.
The MINNA -Suleja road construction project was awarded to Salini Nigeria Ltd by former president Jonathan’s admnistration, this the governor said have been long overdue to be completed.
The governor stated this during a town hall/ stakeholders engagement on the construction of the 125km Niger State component of the 1,068km Sokoto- Badagry Superhighway.
Bago further described the Salini company that it lacks capacity, instead, recommended HiTech and CCEC, contractors who he said successfully handled the Abuja-Kaduna road projects, have so far proven capabilities in delivering quality work.
The governor also assured the minister of the state’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration,and advise for the need for government to always award road projects to reliable and competent contractors to ensure timely completion of projects.
In his speech at the occasion the Minister Umahi, said the government has resolved to take a decisive actions against contractors handling ongoing road projects in Niger State, and they will be invited for a crucial meeting scheduled for Friday.
Umahi however expressed disappointment with the slow pace of work of Minna-Suleja road’s, adding that the current state of the road is an eyesore, describing it as “very discouraging” despite claims of 86% completion, the company has collected federal funds for over 14 years without executing the project.”
The minister said President Tinubu’s administration prioritizes investment over legacy, aiming to stimulate growth across multiple sectors.
Addressing the people at the forum the Etsu Nupe Yahaya Abubakar who is also the Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, urged the Federal Government to intervene in rehabilitating federal roads within the state.
While Senator Sani Musa pledged to secure funding for federal road projects, which includes the Zungeru bridge and Tegina Brini-Gwari-Kaduna road.
In his submission Mr Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on Niger’s dilapidated roads.
