Communities and road users in Zamfara welcome Federal road projects as the Ministry of Works showcases progress, quality, and ongoing challenges.
By Joy Onu
As part of the Federal Government’s nationwide infrastructure development initiative, communities and road users in Zamfara State have welcomed ongoing federal road projects aimed at improving connectivity, safety, and economic activities across the North-West. The projects, inspected and commissioned during the National Media Tour and Emergency/Intervention Road Projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda, highlight both progress and challenges in the delivery of federal roads in the region.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-West), Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, explained that the tour was structured to allow journalists first-hand access to project sites. This, he said, would enable Nigerians to independently assess the quality, pace, and impact of works supervised by the Federal Ministry of Works.
“The aim is to ensure transparency and allow media reports to reflect the actual state of federal road projects,” Hon. Yakasai said, noting that the Minister of Works and Permanent Secretary were not present during the visits to allow unrestricted access.
The tour also featured the commissioning of several emergency road projects previously opened to traffic but not formally inaugurated. Officials say the projects are intended to improve connectivity, enhance safety, and stimulate local economic activities.
The Federal Controller of Works in Zamfara State, Engr. Kasumu Yusuf, provided an update on the Zaria–Gusau–Sokoto Road. Section II (Sheme–Gusau), handled by Setraco (Nigeria) Limited, has reportedly reached 52 per cent completion, despite only 25 per cent of the project timeline having elapsed. Completed works include asphalt binder and wearing courses, concrete-paved shoulders, crash barriers, rigid pavements, and 13 bridges, six of which are fully completed.
Setraco’s Project Manager, Mr. Mustapher Jaber, highlighted efforts to ensure durability, noting that concrete shoulders and other quality-enhancing features had been incorporated. He acknowledged challenges, including security issues, but said cooperation from the Ministry, security agencies, and local communities helped maintain progress.
On Section III (Gusau–Talatan Mafara), managed by Messrs Triacta (Nigeria) Limited, Project Manager Mr. Nicholas Kfoury said over 14 per cent of the 93.7-kilometre project has been completed, including five bridges, while work continues on a six-span, 90-metre bridge. He confirmed about 26 kilometres of asphalt binder course have been laid.
Independent observers from the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) expressed satisfaction with adherence to engineering standards, while also noting the need for consistent monitoring to sustain quality across all sections.
As part of the visit, Hon. Yakasai commissioned a 600-metre access road to the Federal Secretariat, Gusau, executed under the Ministry’s supervision. The road, delivered by Messrs Construction Product (Nigeria) Limited at a cost of ₦641 million, includes storm drainage, asphalt works, and rehabilitation of lined drains, aimed at improving accessibility and supporting economic activities.
While communities have welcomed the developments, experts stress that continuous oversight and timely completion will be crucial to ensure the long-term impact of federal road projects in Zamfara and other regions.
