Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has delivered a blistering warning to the contractor handling the rehabilitation of the Romo (Margai) Bridge and the construction of two six-cell box culverts with retaining walls, declaring that the contract will be immediately revoked if work does not resume without delay.
The Governor issued the ultimatum during an on the spot inspection of the project, where he expressed deep dissatisfaction over the unacceptable abandonment of a critical infrastructure despite substantial government funding.
While acknowledging the quality of work already executed, Governor Aliyu made it clear that quality without commitment is meaningless, stressing that his administration will no longer tolerate contractors who collect public funds and walk away from project sites.
The Governor stated that the government had already released 30 per cent mobilisation, stressing that there was no justification whatsoever for abandoning the project.
He warned that his administration would not hesitate to revoke the contract if the contractor failed to return to the site immediately.
Governor Aliyu further emphasized that his administration would not take lightly any contractor who executes projects in violation of the terms and conditions of contractual agreements, adding that public funds must translate into visible and timely development.
He assured the people of Kebbe Local Government Area that all projects awarded in the area would be executed strictly in line with approved specifications, timelines, and quality standards.
The Governor also reiterated his administration’s resolve to encourage indigenous contractors by awarding them government jobs, but stressed that such opportunities must be matched with discipline, responsibility, and performance.
He added that labourers engaged on government projects must be drawn from benefiting communities to stimulate local economic activities.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Idris Muhammed Gobir, who supervises the Ministry of Works, informed the Governor that the contract was awarded in August 2024 at a cost of over N2.9 billion, with a completion period of six months.
Gobir disclosed that despite the release of 50 per cent mobilisation to the contractor, only about 50 per cent of the work had been completed before the project was abandoned.
He lamented that the contractor had failed to justify the huge financial commitment made by the state government, describing the situation as a serious setback to timely project delivery.
The Deputy Governor also revealed that the state government has awarded contracts for the reconstruction of Bridge Two and its approaches along the Tambuwal–Kebbe Road, and the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Margai–Kebbe Town Road, including stone pitching and surface dressing, among other infrastructure projects.
Gobir commended Governor Aliyu for driving an aggressive infrastructure agenda, noting that similar projects are being executed across all 23 Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.
The Governor was accompanied on the inspection by the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga; the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kabir Ibrahim Kware; members of the House of Assembly, commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants, and other top government officials.
