FG Orders Contractors To Accelerate Niger Road Repairs

The Federal Government has ordered contractors handling the Bida–Lapai–Lambata and Maje–Dikko road corridors in Niger State to accelerate construction and palliative works to restore full motorability and ease the hardship faced by motorists.

The Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, gave the directive during an inspection of the projects as part of the Federal Ministry of Works’ monitoring of critical road infrastructure across the country.

Inspecting the Bida–Lapai–Lambata corridor, Goronyo sympathised with motorists, particularly articulated-vehicle operators, over the prolonged delays and difficult travelling conditions caused by the deteriorating sections of the road.

He described the approximately 123.4-kilometre corridor as a major economic artery linking communities in Niger State and facilitating the movement of agricultural produce, goods and people.

Goronyo said the project was inherited by the present administration and was being financed under the Presidential/NNPC Tax Credit arrangement.

According to him, the heavy volume of articulated vehicles informed the decision to adopt continuously reinforced concrete pavement for the project to enhance its durability and service life.

He said the government was concerned about the current condition of the road and would immediately mobilise the contractor for palliative intervention while permanent reconstruction works continued.

“We deeply sympathise with the drivers and other road users. This is a very important economic corridor, and we cannot allow it to fail.

“We are going to push the contractor to mobilise early and undertake palliative works to provide relief to motorists while we await the full reconstruction of the road,” he said.

At the Maje–Dikko section, the minister expressed satisfaction with the improvement recorded following an earlier directive for urgent intervention.

He, however, ordered the contractor to deploy additional equipment and materials and sustain round-the-clock operations at critical locations.

Goronyo recalled that the ministry had given the contractor a 48-hour directive to restore passability on the affected sections, commending the progress recorded.

“The progress of the work so far is impressive, and we are satisfied with what you have been doing over the last few days. But you need to double your efforts, mobilise more materials and equipment, and concentrate on the difficult sections.

“Nigerians deserve better roads, and we have no excuse,” he said.

He directed that work be sustained, particularly on sections affected by drainage and erosion, and disclosed that the ministry would continue daily monitoring of the corridor.

However, inspecting the Maje–Jazu Section II, being handled by CCECC Nigeria Limited, Goronyo expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of construction and directed the contractor to substantially increase its mobilisation and productivity.

He said more than N10bn had been released to the contractor as mobilisation out of the approximately N90bn project value.

Despite the funds advanced, the minister said physical progress stood at about one per cent, against nearly 16 per cent expected at the stage of the project.

“The amount so far released to you as mobilisation is over N10 billion. Yet, the progress of work on site is not commensurate with the amount that has been advanced to you.

“The percentage of work completed is not even up to one per cent, whereas, according to the project schedule, you are expected to have achieved almost 16 per cent at this stage. Honestly, we are not satisfied with the progress of work,” he said.

Goronyo disclosed that the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, had been briefed on the project and was also dissatisfied with the pace of construction.