EFCC, ICPC Asked To Probe N7.23billion state government Road Project Over Use Of Substandard Materials
The N7.23billion project, inaugurated by Governor Nasir Idris, has come under scrutiny over concerns about the use of substandard materials.
Acivic technology platform, Monitng, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the construction of a 6.4-kilometre dual carriageway in Argungu, Kebbi State.
The N7.23billion project, inaugurated by Governor Nasir Idris, has come under scrutiny over concerns about the use of substandard materials.
It could be recalled that in October last year Governor Idris had assured that the project, which includes road construction, drainage systems, and solar street lights, was fully funded and would be completed without delays.
The states Commissioner for Works, Abdullahi Faruq-Muslim, had also praised the contractor, Amirco Universal Concept, while its Managing Director, Dr Hassan Mahdi, promised to deliver ahead of schedule.
However, Monitng’s investigation revealed troubling irregularities in the construction, particularly regarding the culverts.
The platform found that instead of using reinforced concrete, the contractors used blocks, raising concerns about the road’s durability and the justification for the substantial funds allocated.
Speaking SaharaReporters on Tuesday, Uadamen Ilevbaoje, the Founder of Monitng, said an investigation into the project revealed that the contractors used blocks instead of reinforced concrete for culverts, a critical part of the road’s structure.
He said such a decision compromises the durability of the road and raises questions about the justification for the significant public expenditure.
“We tracked the construction of the 6.4km road project in Kebbi State, awarded to Amirco Engineering Company for 7.23 billion naira, and identified alarming issues, particularly with the culverts,” Ilevbaoje stated.
“Instead of using reinforced concrete, the contractors opted for blocks, which appear substandard and raise serious concerns about the project’s durability.”
“The use of substandard materials in public projects has become a disturbing trend, and it is unacceptable when taxpayers’ money is not utilised properly.
“This project in Kebbi State is a clear example of such malpractice. I call on the relevant agencies, including the ICPC and EFCC, to take swift action and ensure accountability. We cannot afford to compromise on the quality of infrastructure that directly impacts the lives of citizens,” Ilevbaoje said.
He warned that this cost-cutting measure undermines the longevity of the road and should be scrutinised by relevant authorities. “This cost-cutting measure undermines the road’s longevity and calls into question whether the project justifies the significant public funds invested,” he said.
Ilevbaoje noted that such deviations from construction best practices indicate poor quality work and could lead to a waste of taxpayers’ money. “The use of blocks instead of concrete for critical structures like culverts is a clear deviation from construction best practices,” he said. “This raises red flags about the quality of work and the potential waste of taxpayer money.”
He urged immediate intervention by government agencies to ensure the road meets required standards. “Stakeholders are urging immediate action to ensure the project meets the required standards and delivers value for the people of Kebbi State,” Ilevbaoje said.
“We call on the Independent Corrupt Practices & Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Kebbi State Government, and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intervene and investigate this project.”
Highlighting the need for transparency and accountability, he stressed that the people of Kebbi deserve infrastructure that meets high standards. “Proper oversight is essential to ensure transparency, accountability, and the delivery of quality infrastructure,” he said.
“The people of Kebbi deserve a road that is built to last, not one that compromises on quality. Let’s hold those responsible accountable.”
Ilevbaoje also pointed out a growing trend of substandard materials being used in public projects, describing it as unacceptable.
“The use of substandard materials in public projects has become a disturbing trend, and it is unacceptable when taxpayers’ money is not utilised properly,” he said. “This project in Kebbi State is a clear example of such malpractice.”
Calling for swift action, he reiterated his demand for the anti-corruption agencies to investigate the project and ensure accountability. “I call on the relevant agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices & Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to take swift action and ensure accountability,” he said. “We cannot afford to compromise on the quality of infrastructure that directly impacts the lives of citizens.”
The road project was inaugurated by Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, who assured that 40 per cent of the contract sum had been paid upfront and that funds were secured to prevent project abandonment.
However, Monitng’s findings raise concerns over whether the project meets the promised quality and durability standards.
