The Federal Government has warned contractors handling the 750-kilometre Sokoto-Gusau-Funtua-Zaria Road project against unnecessary delays, as officials emphasise the need for accelerated delivery of the key transport corridor that links the North-West region.
The caution came during an inspection tour on Sunday, January 25, 2026, led by the Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello-Goronyo.
Bello-Goronyo issued the warning while inspecting ongoing reconstruction work from Dange to Shuni in Sokoto State, extending to Talata Mafara, Maru and Bungudu in Zamfara State, underscoring the Federal Government’s insistence that all contractual obligations be met on schedule to ease the hardship of road users.
The road project, a priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to improve transportation efficiency and safety across parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna States, supporting trade, mobility and regional development.
The inspection team included directors from the Federal Ministry of Works and other key officials.
Bello-Goronyo said the tour was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive that ongoing infrastructure projects be executed as scheduled and to quality standards, ensuring motorists have access to motorable roads.
Contractors were reminded of their obligations under contractual agreements to deliver quality work promptly.
While commending contractors on parts of the Sokoto-Tureta-Mafara section which has achieved about 27 per cent completion — the minister urged them to sustain work momentum and meet targets.
He noted challenges related to delayed payment of compensation to property owners along the route, which had initially hindered progress, but said that payments by Gov. Ahmad Aliyu have enabled fuller resumption of work.
On the Mafara-Maru-Gusau stretch, where coverage stood at 16 per cent, Bello-Goronyo described the pace as inadequate and said the Federal Government was considering redistributing sections limiting some stretches to 37 kilometres and awarding the remaining 68 kilometres to another contractor to accelerate progress.
The minister reiterated that completion within the 2028 timeline embedded in the project design and contract remains imperative. He praised the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for security arrangements that protect workers and infrastructure sites.
The Sokoto-Gusau-Funtua-Zaria corridor is part of broader efforts to strengthen Northern Nigeria’s road network, boost economic activity and reduce transit time for goods and passengers.
Timely completion of such roads is expected to improve commerce, enhance safety and connect key regional markets.
The Federal Government’s strong stance reflects wider policy efforts to ensure quality and durable infrastructure, reduce project delays and uphold contractual diligence across national road projects.
As contractors are reminded of the need for prompt and high-quality delivery, the Federal Ministry of Works has pledged continued oversight and engagement to address bottlenecks.
Government officials reiterated that accelerated work on the Sokoto-Gusau-Funtua-Zaria road is critical to unlocking economic and social benefits for communities across the North-West region.
