By Adenike Lawal
The Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, has issued a stern warning to contractors working with the Federal Emergency and Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), stressing the importance of completing their projects without delays.
During his recent tour of the South West section of FERMA, Goronyo made it clear that the practice of abandoning government projects will no longer be tolerated.
He emphasized that taxpayer funds are being used for these projects and that contractors must deliver results in return.
In his remarks, Goronyo directed FERMA to compile and submit a list of contractors who have failed to meet their obligations within one week.
This measure aims to hold contractors accountable and ensure necessary actions are taken against those in default.
The Minister also proposed the establishment of a dedicated Technical Committee to oversee the monitoring of projects across the country, ensuring that all initiatives are completed on time and meet the required quality standards.
Goronyo stressed the importance of tackling Nigeria’s infrastructural challenges head-on, declaring, “The country must tighten its belt and confront these issues directly.”
Reflecting on past inefficiencies, he compared it to drawing from a well that had run dry.
Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Goronyo affirmed that the current administration is committed to addressing these issues without complaints.
To enhance oversight and ensure contractors are performing to expectations, Goronyo pledged to conduct unscheduled visits to project sites for firsthand evaluations.
He also reassured FERMA staff that their welfare remains a priority for the Ministry, acknowledging the difficulties faced by the agency’s personnel.
While recognizing the challenges faced by FERMA, Goronyo expressed optimism about overcoming them and assured State Coordinators that concerns raised during the tour would be swiftly addressed.
He concluded by urging collective support for President Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to navigate the current hurdles.
Goronyo’s remarks signal a decisive shift towards greater accountability in Nigeria’s public works projects, aiming not only to boost completion rates but also to restore public trust in the government’s use of taxpayer funds.