The Federal Government has expressed dissatisfaction with the quality and pace of work by Wizchino Engineering Ltd. on the Keffi–Nasarawa–Toto–Abaji road project in Nasarawa State.
The government said the contractor has failed to meet expected standards despite receiving funds to ensure steady progress on the project.
Speaking to journalists Friday after inspecting several ongoing federal road projects in the state, the Federal Controller of Works in Nasarawa, Ishaku Mamri, criticized the contractor for failing to comply with ministry specifications.
“To be honest, this set of contractors, I’m disappointed in them,” Mamri said. “The work is not done the way it is supposed to be done. When I give them a letter on what to do, they will not do it; they will do what they feel like doing.”
Mamri said the Federal Ministry of Works has clear procedures and standards that contractors must follow to ensure roads are durable and can serve the public for many years.
He said the contractor had previously been summoned to a meeting at the ministry’s headquarters, where company representatives promised to improve their performance.
“But on coming back here, I have not seen any changes,” he said.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nasarawa State Council, Salihu Alkali, also criticized the project’s progress and called on the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to revoke the contract.
Alkali said the contractor had demonstrated poor workmanship, slow progress and the use of substandard equipment.
“This is a disservice to Nasarawa State and the Federal Government,” Alkali said. “Can you imagine using watering cans to pour bitumen on the road? Government spending should be accounted for.”
Nasarawa State Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport Mu’azu Adamu Gosho said the road project is of significant importance to the state government and residents.
However, he also expressed concern over the slow pace of work and signs that the construction may not be meeting required standards.
“The contractor appears to be too slow in handling the job,” Gosho said. “He needs to put up more effort so that a larger portion will be concluded before the next rainy season.”
Gosho warned that with the rainy season approaching, failure to complete major sections of the road could worsen the challenges residents have faced in previous years.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Works said progress on the 15-kilometer Lafia bypass project leading toward Makurdi and Nigeria’s southeastern region has been satisfactory.
Mamri said the project, initially awarded with a 48-month completion timeline, has reached 92.6% completion and is expected to be ready for use by the end of March 2026.
He said the road project has undergone several engineering integrity assessments by professional regulatory institutions and praised Works Minister David Umahi for emphasizing quality and timely completion of road projects nationwide.
During the inspection tour, officials also visited Kwarra community in Keana Local Government Area in connection with a 6.4-kilometer road project awarded in 2022 under the previous administration.
