Federal Controller of Works in Borno State, Engr. Salisu Adamu, has disclosed that security challenges and rising construction costs have continued to affect the pace of work on the Maiduguri–Monguno road rehabilitation project.
Speaking to journalists at the project site, he explained that the 105.5-kilometre road was initially awarded to QUMEVS Nigeria Limited on July 3, 2018, at the cost of ₦21.7 billion but has since undergone major adjustments in design and funding.
According to Engr. Salisu, the project was reviewed from a flexible pavement with surface-dressed shoulders to asphaltic concrete shoulders, pushing the current contract sum to ₦28.35 billion, funded through the 2025 Appropriation and NNPCL.
He said only 5.85 kilometres of binder course has been completed so far, while 24.15 kilometres remain outstanding under Phase I, with a certified amount of ₦9.54 billion yet to be paid.
He added that the project stands at 5.46 per cent completion, with 19.44 per cent time lapse, and a projected completion date of June 10, 2028.
Highlighting major challenges, Salisu said materials are transported over long distances, including stone-base from Shira in Jama’are LGA, about 450 kilometres away, and laterite from Ngamdu near Yobe State, over 150 kilometres from the site. He also blamed insecurity and frequent attacks along highways for delays.
“We are forced to use longer routes to procure materials due to which a lot of time and resources are wasted in the haulage. We are also compelled to mobilize and demobilize equipment from site on daily basis for the security of the equipment,” he said.
On solutions, the Controller called for special security arrangements involving the Nigerian military and the Borno State Government, as well as special funding to cover extra security costs.
He noted that the takeover of the project by NNPC under the Federal Government Tax Credit Scheme has improved progress.
“With the takeover of the project by the NNPC under the Federal Government Tax Credit Scheme the contractor has made a remarkable progress of work at the site,” he said.
He added that the contractor’s interim payment certificate is still being processed and outlined completed works, including site clearance, scarification, sub-base, stone base, and 5.85 kilometres of binder course, while the wearing course is yet to commence.
Earlier, the Director of Information at the Federal Ministry of Works, Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed, said the inspection team from Abuja was in Borno to assess ongoing and completed projects and report to the Minister. He explained that the tour covers northern states to identify progress and grey areas.
The Managing Director of QUMEVS, Engr. Bukar Kadai, also attributed delays to insecurity and high transportation costs but praised the military for providing protection. “If not for the Nigerian Military, the work so far couldn’t have been achieved,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Borno State Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Mohammed Shettima, called for speedy completion, as officials, journalists, and engineers inspected project sites, while the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Abdulkareem Haruna, commissioned a 1.5km road in Benishekh during the tour.
