The Kebbi State Government has rejected recent allegations made in a MonITNG report. The report called for an investigation into the N7.23bn Argungu township road project over claims of substandard materials used in the construction process.
A SaharaReporters’ publication, which cited a civic technology platform, MonITNG, has been dismissed as an effort to tarnish Governor Nasir Idris’s administration’s reputation. According to the Kebbi State Government, the allegations are based on unverified claims and not conducted with proper oversight.
The statement was signed by Ahmed Idris, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor.
The road project involves dualising the 6.4-kilometre Old Bypass Road of Argungu township. It was awarded to Amirco Engineering at a cost of N7,230,373,515.68.
The government further emphasised that they were not given a fair hearing regarding the project’s specifications or construction methods, as required by standard investigative procedures.
The press release also highlighted that the alleged irregularity raised by MonITNG—concerning the construction of culverts—was based on misinterpretation. MonITNG criticised the contractor for using blocks instead of reinforced concrete for the culverts. However, the Kebbi State Government refuted these claims, noting that the project adhered to the approved engineering specifications.
According to the official breakdown, the project entails several key components, including the total scarification of the carriageway, redesigning the old single carriageway to a dual carriageway, excavation for drains and culverts, and the provision of interlocking pavements, solar streetlights, and new roundabouts at three locations, among other works.
In the detailed Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation, the civil works alone accounted for N6,826,542,520.68, while additional works such as water relocation and structure compensation contributed to the total amount of N7,230,373,515.68.
The press release concludes by stating that the “civic technology platform” responsible for the publication failed to provide the Kebbi State Government with an opportunity for clarification, which would have allowed for a more balanced and factual report.
The government urged the public to consider these factors before forming opinions based on the allegations made in the publication.