By: Adelowo Oladipo, Minna
The Niger State Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development has convened a strategic meeting with contractors handling road projects in Zones A and B of the state with the view to review progress and address key implementation issues.
The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen project delivery and infrastructure development across the state.
The Information Officer of the Ministry Ismaila Saba Favu stated this in a Press statement issued and made available to Newsmen on Thursday in Minna.
The statement added that the meeting brought together contractors, site engineers, and senior officials of the ministry, providing a platform for direct engagement and comprehensive assessment of ongoing road construction works.
According to Ismaila Favu, presiding over the meeting was the Hon. Commissioner for Works and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Kabiru Abbas, who was supported by the Permanent Secretary, QS Hassan Baba Estu, alongside directors and other technical officers of the ministry.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Kabiru Abbas highlighted the importance of the meeting, describing it as a critical step toward ensuring effective supervision, transparency, and accountability in the execution of road projects across Niger State.
He explained that the ministry remains committed to monitoring project performance closely to ensure that contractors deliver according to specifications, standards, and agreed timelines.
Discussions during the meeting focused on the level of work achieved so far on various project sites, challenges affecting construction progress, and practical strategies to fast-track activities where delays have been observed.
The Hon. Commissioner emphasized that road infrastructure remains a top priority of the Niger State Government, noting that good roads are essential for economic growth, security, and improved access to social services.
He stressed that the administration of His Excellency, the Farmer Governor, Hon. Umaru Mohammed Bago, has high expectations regarding the quality, durability, and timely completion of all road projects across the state.
Contractors were urged to increase the pace of work and demonstrate renewed commitment to their contractual obligations, as the government is keen on seeing visible progress and commissioning completed projects as scheduled.
The meeting featured an interactive session that allowed contractors to raise concerns, seek clarifications, and offer suggestions aimed at improving project execution and collaboration with the ministry.
Speaking during the session, the Permanent Secretary, QS Hassan Baba Estu, assured contractors that payments would be made promptly in line with certified progress of work carried out on project sites.
He however cautioned contractors against using claims of non-payment as an excuse for slow work or abandonment of projects, stressing that proper documentation and compliance with procedures remain key to timely payment.
Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Engr. Khalil Ibrahim of “Garawa Construction Company appealed to the Niger State government to consider reducing the taxes deducted from contractors’ payments, stating that such measures would ease financial pressure and enhance productivity.
Engr. Khalil further urged his fellow contractors to double their efforts to ensure that all projects are completed within the agreed timelines, reaffirming the collective commitment of contractors to deliver quality road projects for the benefit of the people of Niger State .
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