A socio-accountability platform, MonitNG, has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to launch an investigation into the road project connecting Farin Tanki Muhammadu Mera to the Bye-Pass Road in Argungu, Kebbi North Senatorial District.
MonitNG said the probe is important, as the contractor, Bidrite Nigeria Ltd, abandoned the work after receiving payment of ₦82,168,325.20.
The project, facilitated by Senator Yahaya A. Abdullahi, was awarded under the supervision of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
MonitNG said its visit to the site showed that only a culvert had been constructed.
There was no sign of further work, no equipment on the ground, and no workers in sight.
It noted, “We visited the site of the road project connecting Farin Tanki Muhammadu Mera to the Bye-Pass Road in Argungu, Kebbi North Senatorial District, facilitated by Senator Yahaya A. Abdullahi, and what we found is disheartening.”
“Despite ₦82,168,325.20 already disbursed to the contractor, Bidrite Nigeria Ltd, the project remains abandoned, with only a culvert constructed. There is no sign of further work, no equipment on the ground, and no workers in sight.”
“This road was designed to ease movement for thousands of residents, boost local commerce, improve access to markets, schools, and health facilities, and strengthen economic activity in this historically underserved area.”
“It was a lifeline for many rural dwellers, but that lifeline has been cut short.”
According to payment data sourced from GovSpend, a BudgIT Foundation analytics platform, the first payment of ₦28,796,245.85 was made on March 21, 2023, and the second payment of ₦53,372,079.35 followed on May 8, 2023, representing about 74.37% of the total contract value of ₦110.5 million.
“We call on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the supervising agency to immediately launch an investigation into this project. Funds have been paid, but there is little to show for it.”
“This is public money meant to serve the people, not vanish into thin air. Argungu deserves accountability. The people deserve the road they were promised.”