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Senator Barinada Mpigi, head of the Senate Committee on Works, disclosed on Thursday that a worrisome number of federal contractors – 39 to be exact – have neglected to commence work on their designated projects, despite receiving necessary funds.
In a recent gathering with stakeholders in Ilorin, Kwara State, a key revelation emerged regarding the ongoing efforts to bring the ambitious Sokoto-Badagry superhighway to life.
The 1000km project, which spans across several states, is gaining momentum with the alignment of its Niger State and Kwara segments taking shape.
Backing the senator’s claims, Minister of Works David Umahi revealed a startling fact: nearly two dozen contractors, tasked with delivering 260 crucial projects, have yet to break ground.
“The Senate disapproves of the contractors’ actions and urges the works minister to terminate the contracts of non-performing contractors. We fully support the minister,” he stated.
The Senate, according to Senator Mpigi, will compel the contractors to appear before it, tasking them to explain their inexplicable failure to mobilize their teams and get to work.
“We will revoke the contracts of any contractors who have received mobilisation fees but have not commenced work. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will be employed to recover funds from such contractors,” Umahi declared.
According to the minister, Kwara State is home to a sizeable 18 federal government projects, but a notable 10 have lost momentum, prompting calls for urgent action to get them back on track.
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The minister revealed that a closer look is needed at six of these projects, which will undergo a thorough performance review. Meanwhile, four others are on track for completion by the end of March 2025, paving the way for their timely delivery.
Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi echoed Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq’s enthusiasm for President Tinubu’s infrastructure initiatives, saying Kwara State is “ready to roll up its sleeves” and work together to drive economic progress.
Niger State Governor Umar Bago praised President Tinubu for turning the dream of a new Nigeria into a reality, and urged communities impacted by infrastructure projects to prioritize the greater good over personal compensation.
