The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, has raised concerns over the slow progress of the Zaria–Sheme Road project following an inspection of the construction site in Sheme, Katsina State, on Sunday.
The project is part of the dualisation of the Zaria–Funtua–Sokoto road, spanning Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states, with several contractors handling different sections along the corridor.
Goronyo noted that Mothercat Nigeria Limited is responsible for phases one and two from Sheme to Zaria, CBC covers about 105 kilometres to Talatan Mafara in Zamfara, Triacta manages the Talatan Mafara to Gusau stretch, while Setraco handles the section from Gusau to Sheme.
While commending Mothercat for high-quality and durable work at the Zaria–Sheme axis, he described the overall pace as unsatisfactory given the corridor’s complexity. Completion, he said, has risen from seven per cent during his last visit in 2025 to 17 per cent currently, which remains below government expectations.
The inspection was conducted on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, through the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, with ministry directors assessing projects along the corridor.
Acknowledging contractors’ challenges, Goronyo warned that excuses would not be tolerated, directing Mothercat to accelerate work to meet agreed timelines. The company has pledged to complete 21 kilometres on both lanes by March and roughly 98 kilometres within the next 11 to 12 months, commitments that the ministry will closely monitor.
Controllers will remain on site, submitting daily and monthly reports to the ministry to ensure compliance. “This will help us act swiftly if there is any infraction,” Goronyo stated.
During the inspection of the Triacta section, the minister confirmed that work was limited to about 37 kilometres from Maru to Zamfara, and that the remaining sections would be reassigned to another contractor to guarantee timely and quality delivery.
Goronyo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development, urging contractors to maintain damaged road sections to ease traffic flow and ensure motorist safety.
Earlier, Ziad Karam, Project Manager at Mothercat Nigeria Limited, cited challenges including rising material costs, Naira depreciation, delays in right-of-way approvals, and outstanding compensation as obstacles affecting the project’s pace.