By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has restated its resolve to ensure the timely and high-quality completion of the Sokoto–Gusau–Funtau–Zaria Road Project, warning that contractors who fail to meet approved timelines and specifications risk sanctions, including possible restructuring of their project scope.
The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., gave the assurance on Sunday, 25 January 2026, during an extensive on-the-spot inspection of reconstruction works along critical sections of the about 750-kilometre highway traversing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna States.
The inspection, which covered sections from Dange to Shuni in Sokoto State and extended through Talata Mafara, Maru and Bungudu in Zamfara State, was carried out in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to ensure strict compliance with approved standards, value for money and early delivery of key infrastructure projects.
Leading senior officials of the Ministry of Works across the affected states, Goronyo said the exercise was aimed at independently verifying the quality of work being delivered and ensuring that contractors live up to their contractual responsibilities.
“I am personally leading senior officials of the Ministry across these states to verify the quality of work being delivered and to ensure that contractors live up to their responsibilities,” the Minister said.
He added, “I am also representing the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, GCON, to assess the level of work done and the degree of compliance with approved specifications.”
While acknowledging that certain sections of the highway have recorded encouraging progress, the Minister expressed concern over the overall pace of execution and stressed the urgent need for contractors to accelerate work to ease the hardship faced by motorists and commuters who rely on the corridor.
Goronyo cited the Sokoto–Tureta–Mafara section, which has achieved about 27 per cent completion, as relatively commendable, but described progress on the Mafara–Maru–Gusau section, currently at approximately 16 per cent, as unsatisfactory.
He warned that the Federal Government would not hesitate to take decisive action against underperforming contractors.
“The Federal Government is prepared to restructure the scope of work on sections where performance is poor. This may include restricting contractors to shorter distances and reallocating outstanding portions to more competent firms, if noticeable improvement is not achieved,” he stated.
The Minister explained that some of the initial challenges affecting the project, particularly issues related to compensation for affected properties, have been largely resolved.
He credited the intervention of the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, for facilitating compensation payments and ensuring cooperation from host communities, which, he said, has helped to stabilise the project environment.
Goronyo also acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, whose coordination of security arrangements has enhanced the safety of workers, equipment and construction sites along the corridor.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s broader infrastructure development strategy, the Minister said the adoption of concrete pavement technology under the Tinubu administration is intended to deliver more durable, cost-effective and longer-lasting roads across the country.
According to him, the shift reflects the administration’s commitment to sustainability and value for money in public infrastructure delivery.
He further drew attention to the ongoing 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway Project, describing it as a landmark initiative that revives the long-standing vision of former President Shehu Shagari.
Goronyo said the project, when completed, would significantly improve national connectivity, boost trade, facilitate movement of goods and services, and strengthen national integration.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for according infrastructure development high priority, the Minister described road infrastructure as a critical enabler of economic growth, social cohesion and shared prosperity.
He noted that the President’s unwavering commitment to revitalising major transport corridors across the country is already yielding visible results under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Goronyo also praised the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, GCON, for his hard work, visionary leadership and dedication to the mandate of the Ministry, noting that ongoing reforms and the emphasis on durable construction standards reflect a clear focus on long-term impact.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about results. Nigerians deserve roads that last and projects that are completed on time, and this administration is committed to delivering just that,” he said.
The inspection tour was accompanied by top management staff of the Ministry of Works, including the Director of Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, Mr. U.B. Ekong, and the Director of Highways Planning and Development, Mr. C.A. Ogbuagu.
During interactions with host communities along the corridor, the Minister and his team assured residents that outstanding compensation issues and other project-related concerns would be addressed to ensure smooth, uninterrupted execution of the highway project.
