BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
L-R: Chieftain of PDP, Otunba Segun Sowunmi; Minister of works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi and Minister of Works for State, Bello M. Goronyo Esq. inspecting the level of work done on Abuja-Kaduna- Kano road at Zuba over the weekend.
Irked by the deplorable condition, the Federal Government has terminated the dualisation of Sections I and II of N777 billion Suleja-Minna road project awarded to Messrs. Salini Nigeria Ltd over non-performance.
This was even as the Federal Government declared a state of emergency on the Suleja-Minna road with Contract No. 6077, adding that the termination is irrevocable.
Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi disclosed this on Saturday when he led a high-level inspection of the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja–Kaduna–Minna dual carriageway.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu was concerned by the deplorable state of the road and directed that urgent action should be taken to fix the road to restore the confidence of road users.
Umahi maintained that the contractor, Messrs Salini Nigeria Ltd was responsible for the failure in the delivery of the project on time and in specification.
The minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to transparency, engineering excellence, and sustainable infrastructure development.
He disclosed that over 11 kilometres of Section 1 have already been reconstructed using 200 mm reinforced concrete with a projected lifespan of 100 years.
The construction process, which involves pulverising failed pavement, laying an 80 mm cement-stabilised stone base, and installing Y20 steel reinforcements at 20 cm intervals beneath a 60 mm concrete top, matches the quality standards adopted for the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto–Badagry Road.
The minister thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering support following the termination of the previous contract with Julius Berger over cost discrepancies.
"Without Mr. President’s support, it would have been difficult to redeem the project's integrity. But with the quality of work being delivered by Infoquest, today both the ministry and my integrity are restored," he said.
Section 1 (118 km) is valued at ₦252 billion, while Section 2 (164 km), awarded at ₦525 billion, is progressing steadily across three subsections.
The project, covering 40 km from Diko Junction to Bonu village, includes two twin flyovers and three river bridges. Despite notable achievements—such as 36.89 km of sub-base, stone base, binder course, and wearing course already laid; construction of all the three bridges up to transition slab level; and extensive culvert installations—the project has faced setbacks, including delayed payments and insecurity.
As of the latest assessment, the project is 86.33 percent complete based on the original contract sum but stands at only 30.03 percent relative to the revised sum of ₦26.7 billion.
The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s position on accountability and directed that Salini be held responsible for any contractual lapses. Where necessary, portions of the outstanding works equal to the value owed by the contractor will be scoped out for direct execution under close supervision.
Inspecting Sections I and II, Umahi decried the aged-long-neglect of the construction work by the contractor- Salini Nig. Ltd, which has left the site for the past 18 months without completing the contract.
He also noted that the areas the contractor claimed to have done have become dilapidated.
Umahi declared Sections I and II an emergency project to be handled under emergency procurement processes and taken over by CCECC and CGC companies, directing a-24 hour documentary on the road, especially the failed areas.
"The project has been irrevocably terminated and Nigerians will see why we terminated it. If they (Salini) do not do what we have directed them to do, what they owe us under our supervision, we are all going to the EFCC to take it over.
"We are documenting the current condition of the road for public accountability. Once work is completed, people tend to forget how bad it was. Information Department must keep a visual record to justify our emergency action," he said.
He reiterated that the Suleja-Minna road is now a top priority, and every effort is being made to ensure timely and quality delivery in line with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Engr. Umahi reassured travellers of their safety with the incorporation of safety and security infrastructure into the road design, including solar-powered lighting, CCTV surveillance, and a rapid-response system that guarantees intervention from security agencies within 10 minutes of any incident.
Kilometre 71 and other active segments are already being secured during the construction phase. This is to ensure traveller safety and long-term durability.
The minister restated the ministry’s openness to scrutiny and partnerships. "Where we have done well, let Nigerians see it. Where we must do better, tell us—and we will act," he added.
Minister of State, Hon. Bello Goronyo praised the cross-sectoral nature of the inspection, noting that it marked a shift from armchair criticism to informed civic engagement.
He lauded Showunmi’s patriotism and willingness to scrutinise national progress with sincerity, stating that real transformation must be driven by both resource allocation and unwavering commitment.
Also present at the inspection is Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Senate and member of the Committee of Works, Barr. Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, who commended the scale and engineering quality of the project.
He affirmed the Senate’s continued commitment to funding and legislative backing for infrastructure that enhances trade, national cohesion and safety.
A well-known national voice on governance, Segun Showunmi, whose concerns over delayed infrastructure projects prompted the engagement, applauded the ministry’s openness.
"I dropped everything to be here because our national integrity matters. This isn’t personal interests or affiliations; it’s about shared responsibility," he remarked.
While commending the quality of work, he maintained that his endorsement was based strictly on performance and would not be extended as a blanket approval to the broader administration.
He noted that public figures owe the nation constructive criticism and not endless cynicism, and that holding leadership accountable is of utmost importance as it helps in building the nation.
"We have seen progress, and like Oliver Twist, we ask for more. Let this be the new standard—less noise, more delivery," he concluded.
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