Dare Babalola
Deputy Minister of Works, Bello Goronyo, expressed disappointment over the sluggish progress of the Zaria-Sheme road project during an inspection visit to the construction site in Sheme, Katsina, on Sunday.
The project forms part of the dualisation of the Zaria-Funtua-Sokoto road in Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto, a vast route executed by no fewer than four contractors across the states.
Goronyo stated that phases one and two of the project, spanning from Sheme to Zaria, were being handled by Mothercat Nigeria Limited, while CBC was responsible for the section covering approximately 105 kilometres to Talatan Mafara in Zamfara.
He said Triacta was working from Talatan Mafara to Gusau in Zamfara, while Setraco handled the section from Gusau to Sheme.
At the Zaria–Sheme axis, the minister, however, praised Mothercat for delivering durable, high-quality work but described the project’s pace as unacceptable despite the corridor’s complexity.
He said that completion rose from seven per cent during his last visit in 2025 to 17 per cent currently, stressing that such progress fell short of the government’s expectations.
Goronyo said the inspection was conducted on President Bola Tinubu’s directive, through the works minister, Dave Umahi, alongside directors who assessed projects along the corridor.
While acknowledging contractors’ challenges, he warned that excuses would not be tolerated and directed Mothercat to accelerate work to meet the agreed timelines.
The minister said the contractor promised to complete 21 kilometres on both lanes by March and about 98 kilometres within the next 11 to 12 months. He restated that the assurances would be enforced by the ministry.
The minister added that comptrollers would remain on site and submit daily or monthly reports to the appropriate director at the ministry.
“This will be to ensure that if there is any infraction, we will come back here to do the needful,” he said.
During an inspection along the Triacta corridor, Goronyo revealed that the company had been restricted to about 37 kilometres along Maru to Zamfara. He announced plans to reassign both sides of the remaining sections to another contractor to guarantee quality and timely completion.
Goronyo reiterated the federal government’s commitment to infrastructure development, urging the contractors to repair damaged sections and keep existing roads open to ease traffic flow for motorists.
