By Muhammad Gazali Garba
Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has expressed dismay over the slow pace of work on the Romo Bridge rehabilitation project and warned the contractor to expedite progress, stressing that the government will not tolerate any further delays in its completion.
The Governor issued the warning during an inspection of the project site, emphasizing the strategic importance of the bridge for commercial activities and the movement of goods and services in the area.
While expressing concern about the slow progress, Governor Aliyu also expressed satisfaction with the quality of the work done so far. “I am pleased with the standard of the construction carried out so far, but I urge the contractor to accelerate work to meet the deadline,” he said.
The Governor further directed the contractor to engage additional manpower and deploy more equipment to ensure the project is completed without any further delays.
The project involves the rehabilitation of Romo Bridge, the construction of two six-cell box culverts, two seven-cell box culverts, and retaining walls.
The contract was awarded to Roads Nigeria in September 2024 at a cost of ₦2,968,770,828.15, out of which ₦1,484,385,414.07, representing 50 percent of the contract sum, has been released to the contractor.
The Managing Director of Roads Nigeria, who was present during the inspection, assured Governor Aliyu of the company’s commitment to completing the project within the stipulated timeline. He noted that additional equipment and workforce would be deployed immediately to accelerate the pace of work and meet the expectations of the state government.
The MD also reaffirmed the company’s dedication to maintaining high-quality standards throughout the construction process.
Governor Aliyu was on the inspection visit in the company of the state APC leader and Senator representing Sokoto North Senatorial District, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko; former Deputy Governor, Barrister Muktari Shagari; Member representing Tangaza and Gudu Federal Constituency, Hon. Yakubu; Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga; Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Muhammad Bello Sifawa; Chief of Staff, Government House Sokoto; commissioners; special advisers; and other prominent personalities.
