The Federal Government has dispatched a team of engineers to Kebbi State to assess the progress of the Koko-Dabai-Mahuta road project. This process is expected to lead to the revocation of the contract for the project, following significant delays.
The 87-kilometre road, awarded to Great Northern International Company on December 5th, 2021, has seen only five kilometers completed. In response, the Kebbi State Government, under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris, has demanded that the project be revoked and handed over to the state government to ensure timely completion.
The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Usman Muhammad Ankwe led a delegation, including State House members representing Zuru and Koko-Besse, Commissioners, officials from both the Federal and State Ministries of Works and the Chairmen of Zuru and Koko-Besse to assess the level of the project at Koko Besse Local Government Area of the state.
In his remarks, Speaker Ankwe described the assessment as a crucial step in ensuring that the state government takes over the project.
“This joint measurement exercise marks the final stage before the contract is officially revoked and handed over to the state government for completion,” he stated.
He added that he had already discussed the assessment process with the Minister of Works and was awaiting the final report.
“Once the report is received, expected by Tuesday next week, the Minister will sign it and mandate the official handover to Governor Nasir Idris,” the Speaker said.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Nasir Idris, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and other key officials for their roles in advancing the process.
He commended Governor Idris for his dedication and tireless efforts, including multiple trips to Abuja to resolve the issue.
Earlier, Engineer Isharia Vandu Joseph, the Federal Comptroller of Works for Kebbi State, explained that the team of engineers was sent by the Minister of Works to assess the contractor’s work before the state government took over the project.
“The Minister directed us to evaluate the work done before the state government can proceed with the project,” he said.
He reiterated the road’s strategic importance to local communities, especially farmers and motorists, as the shortest route for people travelling from Zuru to Abuja.
“However, due to funding constraints, the project has faced delays, prompting the state government’s intervention,” he said.
Engr. Abdullahi Umar Faruk Muslim, the Kebbi State Commissioner of Works and Housing, confirmed that officials from both the Federal and State Ministries of Works were carrying out a thorough measurement of the road, step by step, to compile a report for the Minister.
He commended Governor Nasir Idris for his commitment to making the Koko-Mahuta-Zuru road motorable again and highlighted other key infrastructure projects, including the Ultra-Modern Gwadangwaji Secretariat, Birnin Kebbi Motor Park, and township roads, as part of the Governor’s ongoing development initiatives across the state.
