By Benjamin Treasure
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the North Central Zone, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, has commended the quality of work being executed on key federal road projects in Kogi State but expressed strong dissatisfaction with the slow pace of delivery, describing it as unacceptable given the strategic importance of the corridors.
Dr. Essiet stated this on Monday during an inspection tour of the Abuja–Lokoja–Benin Road and other ongoing federal projects in the state. While acknowledging that the construction quality meets required standards, she warned that delays undermine the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the economic significance of the roads linking Northern and Southern Nigeria.
Speaking specifically on the reconstruction of the existing pavement and completion of the dualisation of the Abuja–Lokoja Highway, Section II (Abaji–Koton-Karfe), Dr. Essiet urged the contractors to demonstrate greater capacity by urgently deploying more equipment and skilled personnel to site.
She recalled that the 50.797-kilometre section was awarded in February 2022 at a cost of ₦56.17 billion to Messrs Geld Limited/Triacta Nigeria Limited, with Messrs Factorial Engineering Limited as consultant. According to her, the project’s completion rate has remained virtually stagnant since inception.
“The quality of work observed is commendable, but the pace is far below expectations,” Essiet said. “A project scheduled at 17.09 per cent progress but still hovering around 16.71 per cent since 2022 is not acceptable. These roads are critical national assets and must be treated with the seriousness they deserve.”
She stressed that President Tinubu attaches high importance to the Abuja–Lokoja–Benin corridor due to its economic, security, and socio-political relevance, adding that contractors must rise to the occasion.
On the Obajana junction bridge project, the visibly displeased presidential aide directed the contractor to go the extra mile by sourcing additional funds and accelerating work to meet timelines. She assured that funding from the Federal Government would not be a constraint, noting that payments would be made under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Initiative.
“I am not impressed with the pace of work,” she stated. “Contractors should mop up funds from all legitimate sources and complete these projects on time. The Federal Government will not owe you. You will be paid from the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Initiative Fund, so there is nothing to worry about.”
Dr. Essiet also assured contractors and workers of adequate security, disclosing that soldiers have been deployed across Kogi State to safeguard construction sites and personnel.
During the visit, she Commissioned the completed special intervention works addressing flood-induced washout embankments at Km 27+900 and Km 39+750 on the Itobe- Ojuwo Ebenehi–Anyigba Road, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.
Responding, the Kogi State Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Musa Patiko commended the Kogi State Government for its continuous support and cooperation, which he described as critical to the smooth execution of federal road projects across the state. Engr. Patiko also expressed appreciation to all security agencies in Kogi State, as well as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), for their effective synergy and proactive interventions that ensured free traffic flow along the Abuja–Lokoja corridor during the festive season.
Assuring Nigerians of renewed momentum, he stated that contractors have been fully engaged with revised and accelerated work plans, adding that before the end of the first quarter of 2026, appreciable progress would be visible on the ongoing projects.
The inspection tour reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable and high-quality road infrastructure in Kogi State, while sending a clear signal that quality must go hand in hand with speed to meet national development goals.