Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Works, has called on the contractors handling the Illela-Badagry superhighway project to maintain their commitment to timely and quality execution.

During an on-the-spot assessment at Illela Amarawa, the project’s starting point, Mr Goronyo expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the multimillion-naira contract.

“This superhighway, spanning over 1,000 km, is designed to connect the North-West and South-West regions of Nigeria with the neighbouring Niger Republic.

“The project, which consists of a three-lane carriageway, was awarded on August 14 under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as part of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda on road infrastructure,” he said.

Mr Goronyo highlighted that the initiative aims to create jobs, connect communities, and accelerate the country’s socio-economic development.

The minister added that a joint reconnaissance survey was also underway by the Office of the National Security Adviser to ensure the safety of workers and equipment.

Willie Barkhursen, a representative of the contracting firm, along with Maigwandu Kasim, the federal controller of works in Sokoto State, assured that the project was being executed according to specifications and would be completed within the agreed 24-month period.

The superhighway, covering over 1,000km, will traverse seven states: Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos.

On the recent revocation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road project, Goronyo lamented the previous contractor’s poor performance.

He vowed, “After eight years, the federal government would not be held to ransom by under-performing firms.”

Mr Goronyo said the ministry plans to re-award the contract to a more capable company to facilitate the movement of goods and services.

(NAN)