Government Condemns Construction Company for Subpar Work on Keffi-Nasarawa Highway

The Federal Government has voiced its discontent with the subpar work being carried out by Wizchino Engineering Limited on the Keffi-Nasarawa-Toto-Abaji road in Nasarawa State, citing the contractor's failure to meet expectations despite receiving necessary funds.

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Ishaku Mamri, the Federal Controller of Works in Nasarawa State, expressed his disappointment with the contractor's performance during a recent inspection visit to ongoing Federal Government roads in the state, stating that the contractor has not cooperated with efforts to ensure the work meets specifications.

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Mamri emphasized that the Federal Ministry of Works aims to construct roads that are durable and long-lasting, serving Nigerians for many years to come, and noted that the current work on the Keffi-Nasarawa-Toto-Abaji road falls short of this standard.

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He criticized the contractor's lack of adherence to procedures, stating that they have not followed instructions and have instead done the work according to their own discretion, which is unacceptable.

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Mamri recalled that he had to explain the situation to his Director and that a meeting was held with the contractor at the headquarters, where they agreed to improve, but unfortunately, no changes have been observed since then.

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Salihu Alkali, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nasarawa State Council, urged the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to revoke the contract awarded to Wizchino Engineering Limited due to the poor quality of work, slow pace, and substandard equipment used.

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Alkali expressed his displeasure with the contractor's handling of the road construction, citing the use of watering cans to pour bitumen on the road as an example of the unprofessionalism displayed, and emphasized that government spending should be accounted for.

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Mu'azu Adamu Gosho, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, stated that the road is of great importance to the government and people of Nasarawa State, who are eager to see its completion as soon as possible.

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Gosho criticized the contractor's slow pace of work and lack of adherence to specifications, warning that the upcoming rainy season may exacerbate the problems with the road if not addressed promptly.

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The Federal Ministry of Works has pledged to complete the 15-kilometre Lafia bypass, which connects to Makurdi and the south-eastern region of the country, with the project currently at 92.6 per cent completion and expected to be ready by the end of March 2026.

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Mamri commended the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for his commitment to ensuring the quality and speedy completion of ongoing projects nationwide, including the Lafia bypass, which has undergone engineering integrity assessments by professional regulatory institutions.

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The inspection team also visited the Kwarra community in Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State to assess a 6.4-kilometre road project awarded in 2022 during the previous administration.