The Minister of State for Works Bello Goronyo, has expressed displeasure over the slow pace of the work on the Zaria–Sheme Road project following an inspection of the construction from Sheme, Katsina State, on Sunday in Kaduna.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the project is part of the dualisation of the Zaria-Funtua-Sokoto road spanning Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states, a major route executed by no fewer than four contractors across the states.
Goronyo explained that “Mothercat Nigeria Limited was handling phases one and two from Sheme to Zaria, while CBC covered about 105 kilometres to Talatan Mafara in Zamfara.”
He said Triacta is handling the Talatan Mafara to Gusau section in Zamfara, while Setraco is responsible for the Gusau to Sheme stretch.
However, at the Zaria-Sheme axis, the minister commended Mothercat for delivering durable, high quality work but described the pace of the project as unacceptable despite the complexity of the corridor.
He said the level of completion had increased from seven per cent during his last visit in 2025 to 17 per cent currently, but noted that such progress still fell short of the government’s expectations.
Goronyo explained that the inspection was carried out on President Bola Tinubu’s directive through the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, alongside Directors who assessed projects along the corridor.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by contractors, he warned that excuses would not be accepted and directed Mothercat to speed up 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 stressed that the assurances would be enforced by the ministry.
The minister added that Controllers 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 his inspection along the Triacta corridor, Goronyo said they restricted the company to about 37 kilometres along Maru to Zamfara.
He added that the remaining sections would be reassigned to another contractor to ensure quality and timely delivery.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Umahi, the ministry’s staffers, controllers, and the media for keeping the public informed about the progress of road projects.
He also urged contractors to maintain the damaged sections to ensure the existing roads remain passable and facilitate smooth movement for motorists.
Earlier, briefing the minister, Ziad Karam, the Project Manager of Mothercat Nigeria Limited, overseeing the Zaria-Funtua-Sheme road, highlighted several challenges, including a significant increase in the prices of materials and Naira depreciation.
He also mentioned that the approval for rescoping of phase 1, outstanding compensation and right of way at km 9 were also some of the challenges.
NAN
