Governor Umaru Bago of Niger on Wednesday appealed to the Minister of Works to revoke the Minna-Suleja road contract awarded to Salini Nigeria Ltd, citing the company’s lack of capacity.

He made the call during a town hall meeting/stakeholders engagement on the construction of the 125km three-lane single carriage Niger State component of the 1068km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway in Minna.

Mr Bago recommended HiTech and CCEC contractors, who successfully handled the Abuja-Kaduna road project and demonstrated proven capabilities in delivering quality work.

He assured the minister of the state’s support to the president, emphasising the need for having reliable contractors to ensure the timely completion of projects.

Mr Bago also unveiled plans to establish a cement factory in Niger State, leveraging the state’s abundant raw materials.

In his address, Works Minister David Umahi said he would take decisive actions by inviting contractors handling ongoing road projects in Niger State to a crucial meeting scheduled for Friday.

He said the development comes amidst concerns over the slow pace of work on key infrastructure projects, particularly the Suleja-Minna road, which has been under construction for 14 years.

Mr Umahi expressed disappointment with the current state of the Minna-Suleja road, describing it as “very discouraging” during his trip to Minna for stakeholders’ engagement.

“Despite claims of 86 per cent completion, the company cannot continue collecting federal funds for over 14 years without executing the project,” he said.

On the construction of the 125km, three-lane single carriage Niger State component of the 1068km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the minister promised transformative economic benefits, boasting 68 dams, factories, and irrigation systems.

He explained that the infrastructure project, initiated by President Bola Tinubu, prioritises investment over mere legacy, aiming to stimulate growth and development across multiple sectors.

The minister urged the state’s people to be patient and supportive of Mr Tinubu’s vision aimed at long-term benefits of this strategic investment.

(NAN)