- The team visited the site to assess the extent of work completed and report back to the minister of works
The federal government and the Kebbi State government met on Monday to finalise the revocation and handover of the N20 billion Koko-Mahuta-Dabai 87km road contract.
Due to delays in execution, the state government will now take over the project, which was initially awarded to Great Northern International Construction Company.
During an assessment visit to the site, Engineer Ishaya Vandu Joseph, Federal Controller of Works at the Kebbi State field office, stated that the contract was awarded in 2020 and that work would begin in 2021.
However, progress has been slow, with only 6km of the 87km road completed to date, prompting the state government to request a takeover of the project.
“The 87km road, designed as stone-based with other road infrastructure, is crucial to the livelihoods of the predominantly farming communities it serves,” said the works controller.
He highlighted the road’s significance and the necessity for prompt action, citing the state government’s request to revoke the contract due to the delays.
Joseph further explained that the team visited the site to assess the extent of work completed and report back to the minister of works.
Project Manager, Li Lukuan of Great Northern International Construction Company attributed the slow progress to cost variations, lack of funding, and security challenges.
He requested that the contract be awarded to his company, despite their limited progress.