The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, has expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work on the Zaria–Sheme Road project following an inspection tour conducted on Sunday.
Goronyo inspected the construction work from Sheme in Katsina State to parts of Kaduna, describing the level of progress as unsatisfactory considering the importance of the route to economic activities in the North-West.
The project is part of the ongoing dualisation of the Zaria–Funtua–Sokoto road, which cuts across Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states. The expansive highway is being executed by no fewer than four contractors handling different segments across the states.
Speaking during the inspection, the minister explained that Mothercat Nigeria Limited is responsible for phases one and two of the project from Sheme to Zaria, while CBC is handling about 105 kilometres of the road stretching to Talatan Mafara in Zamfara State.
Goronyo noted that the road remains a critical link for trade, agriculture and inter-state movement, stressing that delays in its completion continue to impose hardship on commuters and businesses.
He warned that the Federal Government would not tolerate unnecessary delays, urging contractors to mobilise adequately to site and speed up work in line with contractual agreements.
The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu administration to completing major road infrastructure nationwide, adding that regular inspections would continue to ensure value for money and timely delivery of projects.
