By Ismail Umar, Sokoto
The Minister of State for Works, Mr Bello Goronyo, has challenged contractors handling Sokoto-Gusau-Funtua-Zaria road project on timely completion of the project.
Goronyo made the warning during an inspection tour of the ongoing road project along Dange-Shuni, Tureta in Sokoto state to Talata Mafara, Maru and Bungudu in Zamfara State.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to timely completion of the reconstruction of project in order to ease sufferings of Nigerians flying the roads.
He said the inspection was part of President Bola Tinubu’s marching orders given to the ministry to ensure that the ongoing projects were executed as schedule to make them motorable for users.
“I am leading a team comprising the Directors and other ministry’s officials on the inspection tour to projects from Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna States to ensure quality and seamless projects.
” I am representing Minister of Work, Dave Umahi, to access the level work and accomplishment of specifications,” the minister said.
He reminded the contractors and officials handling the project of the need to comply with all contractual agreement and ensure speedy and quality job.
The Minister appreciated the contractors handling Sokoto-Tureta-Mafara section that achieve about 27 per cent coverage and urged them to sustain the tempo on speed and quality execution of the project.
He observed that contractors faced a hitch for non payment of compensation to owners of properties on the road, however, with payment of compensation by Gov. Ahmad Aliyu of sokoto state full work have resume in all the places.
Bello Goronyo commended the Governor for the compensation payment and security support to contracting workers, safeguarding their lives.
On Mafara-Maru-Gusau project portion, the Minister lamented that 16 per cent coverage was not encouraging noting that federal government is consideration limiting the contractors to 37 kilometers and award the rest portion of 68 kilometers to another firm.
” I am not impressed with speed of work but the quality of job is commendable. We need to speed up the project for the benefit of Nigerians faving difficulties on the road,” Goronyo added
The minister further explained that the federal government considered it imperative to complete the project within timeline of 2028 as enshrined in the designed and agreement.
He commended the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu on ensuring proper security arrangements to safeguard peoples lives and progress of the project.
He highlighted that concrete road projects was initiated by President Tinubu to ensure lasting equalitative and durable roads to Nigerians.
According to him, President Tinubu deserves support of the people ahead of the 2027 General Elections “in view of his commitment to executing legacy projects that are impactful to the lives of generality.”
He added that Tunibu was also executing a 47-year-old dream of former President Shehu Shagari, a 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway project which had already commenced.
Bello Goronyo described the super highway project as a commercial booster and life-saving on the citizens, adding that the road project would surely enhance security and social development.
”Tinubu is passionate toward ensuring massive infrastructural development in all parts of Nigeria.
“The essence of leadership is to bring development to the people, Mr President has brought uncountable development not only to the region but also to all levels,” Goronyo said.
During the tour, the minster alongside Mr U.B. Ekong Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, Mr C.A. Ogbuagu, the Director Highways Planning and Development interacted with contractors.
The officials also interface with some community members and assured payment of compensation to the deserving property owners.