Minna to Suleja road: Is the contractor to be blame or the Federal government?

 

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, highlighted the government's commitment to ensuring the quality and timely completion of road projects, emphasizing that delays from contractors will no longer be tolerated. During a town hall meeting in Minna, Niger State, Umahi noted that while the Suleja-Minna Road was nearly complete at 85%, the Bida-Lapai-Lambata Road, awarded over a decade ago, was still only at 64% completion. 

He emphasized the importance of road infrastructure for economic growth, citing the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway as a key project that will boost connectivity across several states, including Niger, where 125 kilometers of the highway will be built.

Niger State Governor Umaru Muhammad Bago expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing the state’s infrastructure needs and urged the federal government to revoke contracts awarded to underperforming contractors.

While contractors are certainly responsible for the timely completion of projects, the role of the government in providing the necessary financial resources cannot be overstated. 

Many projects stall or experience delays due to inadequate or delayed funding, which affects contractors' ability to mobilize, pay workers, or procure materials. 

The example of the Kontagora to Bangi to Bena road project is a clear illustration of how lack of funding can hinder progress. 

If the government fails to release the necessary funds, even the most competent contractors will be unable to perform their duties effectively. 

In such cases, it’s not fair to lay the blame solely on the contractors when they lack the financial backing to carry out the work. All the federal road projects across the state are not going well due to insufficient funding by the government. 

Thus, the government needs to ensure that funds are disbursed promptly and efficiently, creating an environment where contractors can meet deadlines and complete projects to the expected standard. 

Accountability should apply to both parties government for providing the funds, and contractors for executing the projects on time once funding is in place. Both elements are critical for the success of infrastructure development.