The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, has expressed displeasure over the slow pace of work on the Zaria–Sheme Road project following an inspection of the site on Sunday.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the road project is part of the ongoing dualisation of the Zaria–Funtua–Sokoto highway, which cuts across Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states and is being handled by multiple contractors.

Goronyo explained that Mothercat Nigeria Limited is responsible for phases one and two of the project from Sheme to Zaria, while CBC is handling about 105 kilometres up to Talatan Mafara in Zamfara State. He added that Triacta is in charge of the Talatan Mafara to Gusau section, while Setraco handles the Gusau to Sheme axis.

While inspecting the Zaria–Sheme section, the minister commended Mothercat for delivering durable and high-quality work, but described the pace of execution as unacceptable despite the complexity of the corridor.

He disclosed that the project’s completion level had moved from seven per cent during his last visit in 2025 to 17 per cent, noting that the progress fell short of government expectations.

Goronyo said the inspection was carried out on the directive of President Bola Tinubu through the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, alongside relevant directors from the ministry to assess ongoing projects along the corridor.

Although he acknowledged the challenges faced by contractors, the minister warned that excuses would no longer be tolerated and directed Mothercat to speed up work to meet agreed timelines.

He revealed that the contractor had assured the ministry that 21 kilometres on both lanes would be completed by March, while about 98 kilometres would be delivered within the next 11 to 12 months, stressing that the ministry would hold them accountable.

To ensure compliance, Goronyo said controllers would remain on site to submit daily or monthly progress reports to the appropriate directors.

“This will be to ensure that if there is any infraction, we will come back here to do the needful,” he said.

During his inspection of the Triacta section, the minister said the company had been restricted to about 37 kilometres along the Maru axis in Zamfara State, adding that the remaining sections would be reassigned to another contractor to ensure timely and quality delivery.

Goronyo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development and thanked President Tinubu, Minister Umahi, ministry officials, site controllers and the media for keeping Nigerians informed on the project.

He also urged contractors to carry out maintenance on damaged sections of the road to ease movement for motorists.

Earlier, the Project Manager of Mothercat Nigeria Limited, Ziad Karam, informed the minister that the company was facing challenges such as rising material costs and the depreciation of the naira.

He also cited the approval of the rescoping of Phase One, outstanding compensation payments, and right-of-way issues at kilometre nine as part of the difficulties affecting the project.