The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency on the reconstruction of the Suleja-Minna Road, citing years of delays and poor execution by the original contractor, Salini Nigeria Limited.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, made the declaration on Saturday during an inspection of the road, which he described as being in a “terrible condition,” causing journey times of up to seven hours on a route that should take less than two.
Umahi said the road project was inherited from the previous administration and was awarded to Salini, but the contractor either abandoned the work or delivered substandard results. He added that despite multiple appeals over the past 18 months, the company failed to return to site.
“President Bola Tinubu directed the ministry to intervene after Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State raised serious concerns about the road. Following that directive, I have now declared sections one and two of the project as emergency works,” the minister stated.
He emphasized that the government would not tolerate further delays, warning that any contractor who fails to mobilize immediately after award would have their contract terminated.
“This is an emergency project. If you can’t begin work without waiting for mobilisation funds, then you’re not ready to be part of President Tinubu’s New Nigeria vision,” he said.
Umahi criticized ongoing lobbying efforts in favour of Salini despite what he described as failed work and misuse of public funds.
“The contractors were paid, yet the road failed. It is wickedness to allow Salini to continue when Nigerians are suffering. We must ensure accountability—whoever is responsible will be held to account. As of today, Salini still owes us, and I have directed the ministry to recover that portion of the road equal to their outstanding debt,” he said.
He further announced that Salini’s contract had been formally revoked, warning that if the company failed to comply with directives under ministry supervision, the government would involve the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to recover public funds.
“This is a fight for Nigerians. We are not backing down,” Umahi declared.
Currently, two contractors are working on the project, including CCCC International Engineering Nigeria Ltd., which has already handled part of the road under the Niger State Government’s urban renewal programme.
“The governor has completed about 60 kilometres. The remaining 146 kilometres will be taken up under this emergency intervention. CCCC has been given 10 days to mobilise and begin work on the most critical seven-kilometre section,” Umahi said.
He clarified that the procurement process would proceed simultaneously with work, in line with emergency procedures, while the Bureau of Public Procurement would verify pricing later.
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