The Ministry of Works has debunked the publication of Muhammad Jamil, known as Jadda Garko, who alleged that the Northern Region was neglected in the distribution of the ongoing Renewed Hope Agenda road projects being executed by the Ministry.
In a statement released by the Ministry Spokesman, M. A. Ahmed on Thursday, knocked Garko for publishing what it described as “misleading and mischievous” without recourse to facts, figures nor records.
“For the records, the Federal Ministry of Works has continued to work diligently, transparently, and fairly in implementing the distribution of the ongoing road and bridge infrastructure interventions, nationwide.
In show of facts, the Ministry said the Minister, Sen. (Engr.) Nweze David Umahi, has commendably and unprecedentedly stepped up project monitoring.
And supervision mechanisms on these projects spread across the six geo-political zones, and Nigerians can attest to the fact that every zone has its fair share in the distribution of the ongoing projects.
Furthermore, out of eighty-two (82) Sukuk-funded ongoing projects, the North has forty-five (45), while the South has 37 projects. Of the 260 emergency projects, 98 are being executed in the South, while 108 numbers are in the South.
“Additionally, out of the 44 road projects executed under the Road Tax Credit Scheme, 23 are domiciled in the North, while 21 numbers are in the South”, the ministry said.
According to the statement, “To further illustrate the sense of fairness in the treatment of all parts of Nigeria by the Renewed Hope administration, at the last Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting of 23rd September, 2024.
“The rescoping and downward review of the contract to rehabilitate the Abuja-Kaduna- Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, construction of Cross River to Oferekpe road, rehabilitation of Kabba (Kogi State) – Iyamoye-Omuo-Ikole- Ifaki-Ado Ekiti (Ekiti State) road.
“The repair of the Gamboru Bridge along Gamboru-Ngala-Kala Balde road in Borno State, the repair of the damaged loops and ramps of the Third Mainland Bridge Superstructure, the rehabilitation of Adeniji-Falomo roads.
“The construction of service lanes for the Lekki Deep Sea Port through Epe to Shagamu-Benin Expressway, the dualisation of Afikpo-Uturu-Okigwe Road in Ebonyi, Abia and Imo states, and the repair of 14 bridges, roads, and flooded sections of Federal Highways nationwide.
The Ministry who boldly said it has achieved a considerable milestone in the execution of critical projects in the North, made mention such as the construction and expansion of Mararaba-Keffi road (43.65km), construction of Lafia Bypass both in Nasarawa State.
“The Dualisation of 9th Mile (Enugu State) –Otukpo – Makurdi road project (phase ii) in Nasarawa, Benue and Enugu State, the rehabilitation of Abuja – Abaji – Lokoja Road, Abuja – Lokoja Road, Kano – Maiduguri Dual Carriageway, Adamawa – Taraba Single Carriageway.
“Also, Adamawa – Borno Single Carriageway, Kaduna-Jos Single Carriageway, Zaria- Funtua – Gusau -Sokoto Dual Carriageway and the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road”.
Adding that The Honourable Minister has not only visited these projects but has also set up a supervision mechanism to ensure quality and speed in the execution of the projects.
It reiterated that the Ministry is, undoubtedly, committed to applying the tenets of fairness, justice, equity, and good conscience in the distribution execution of road infrastructure projects. “The Minister proven stewardship of passion, professionalism, inclusiveness and an abiding devotion to nation-building.
“It is only persons of narrow minds or with cheap and ulterior motives that can be so petty as to engage in such unprovoked, mischievous misrepresentation of facts as contained in the said publication credited to Jadda Garko, described as a singer and politician”.
The Ministry urged members of the public to discontenance the allegations in the said publication, as it is baseless, unfounded, mendacious and calculated to demean the person of the Minister of Works for the personal gains of the sponsors.