… warns defaulting contractors
By Chukwuma Umeorah
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, has vowed to put an end to the era of abandoned road projects in Nigeria, warning contractors who fail to meet their obligations of dire consequences.
Goronyo made this declaration in Lagos on Monday as part of his five-day familiarization tour of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) in the South-West zone. The minister emphasized that the federal government would no longer tolerate excuses for project delays, particularly in areas not affected by insecurity.
“Let me be clear, the era of abandoning projects is over. Nigerians are tired. This is taxpayers’ money, and Nigerians deserve value for it,” he said. Goronyo directed FERMA’s Managing Director, Emeka Agbasi, to compile a comprehensive list of defaulting contractors and their contact details, with a mandate to take swift action against non-compliance. “If a contractor is not ready to execute their job, issue them a notice and revoke the contract. We will reassign it to those willing to work and deliver for the benefit of the people.”
To ensure quality delivery, the minister announced plans to establish a technical committee tasked with monitoring road projects across the country. This committee, he explained, would focus on verifying the progress and quality of projects, particularly in remote and rural areas where there is a higher tendency for abandonment. “We will not rely on hearsay or superficial inspections. This committee will crisscross the country, ensuring that projects meet the required standards. Some contractors claim to have completed projects in inaccessible areas, but we will verify every claim,” Goronyo added.
The minister highlighted the critical role of road infrastructure in fostering economic growth and social stability. He noted that improved road networks would enhance business activities, create jobs, and combat insecurity by facilitating the smooth movement of goods and people. “When roads are in good condition, businesses thrive, unemployment reduces, and insecurity is curbed. The value chain is enormous.”
Goronyo acknowledged Nigeria’s significant infrastructure deficit, attributing it to years of neglect and a rapidly growing population, but expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration and its determination to address these issues.
Praising FERMA’s leadership for its efforts, Goronyo cited ongoing projects that could be replicated nationwide. He called for innovative solutions to address challenges and improve project delivery. Additionally, he assured FERMA staff that their welfare would remain a priority. He urged all stakeholders, including government agencies and communities, to adopt a renewed sense of responsibility and dedication to transforming the road sector and delivering
results that would improve the lives of Nigerians.
“We must be ready to do things differently, tighten our belts, and work with a sense of urgency. Nigerians deserve better, and we must deliver,” he concluded.
As part of the visit, Goronyo inaugurated 102 solar-powered streetlights in the Isale-Eko community. FERMA Managing Director Emeka Agbasi thanked the minister for his continued support of the agency and explained the rationale behind the project. “With the power issues in the country, solar is a cheaper and more sustainable way to provide electricity to communities. Maintenance costs are low, as it doesn’t require diesel,” he stated.
Agbasi noted that the streetlights would extend economic activities into the night and reduce criminal activities in the area. “Once a place is well-lit, there’s a lower probability of hoodlums or vandals operating in the area,” he said.