Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has called on the Federal Government to revoke the contract for the long-delayed Suleja-Minna road project, expressing frustration over what he describes as the contractor’s “lack of capacity.” In a recent town hall meeting held in Minna, focused on the 125-kilometer Niger State stretch of the 1,068-kilometer Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Bago publicly challenged Salini Nigeria Limited’s ability to deliver on its promises.

“Salini has failed; they don’t have the capacity,” Bago stated emphatically. “We are calling for the revocation of their contract, just as the Abuja-Kano road contract was recently revoked from Julius Berger.” Bago’s strong words reflect growing impatience over the Suleja-Minna project, which has reportedly languished for over 14 years without substantial progress.

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Adding to his appeal, Bago urged the federal government to reimburse Niger State for funds it has invested in the rehabilitation of federal roads within its territory. He emphasized that the state took on these expenses in a bid to support regional development and to ease the burden on citizens relying on these critical routes.

Senator Engr. Nweze David Umahi, the Minister of Works, echoed Bago’s sentiments during the meeting, expressing his own dissatisfaction with the state of federal infrastructure in Niger. Many federal projects, some dating as far back as 2010, remain unfinished or abandoned, he noted. Specifically, on the Minna-Suleja road project, Umahi joined in criticizing Salini for the lack of advancement despite receiving federal payments, vowing to take decisive measures if the contractor’s performance did not improve.

The issue extends beyond the Suleja-Minna route. Umahi highlighted delays on the Bida-Lapai-Lambata road project, which remains only 64% complete after more than a decade. He underscored that quality infrastructure and adherence to deadlines are now top priorities for both state and federal authorities, aiming to end the prolonged inefficiencies that continue to hinder critical road access across Niger State.