By Francis Nansak
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has directed the state government to immediately suspend the ongoing construction of Toto/Umaisha road over inability of the contractor to meet the stipulated time for the project.
The Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Suleiman Azara gave the directive when the State Ministry of Works and Transports appeared before the House Standing Committee on Works and Transports for its budget assessment for the first quarter of 2025 today in Lafia.
Hon. Azara, the Majority Leader of the House expressed dismay on the slow pace of the work , saying that the contractor lacks the capacity to construct the road.
He said that after three years now, the project which was contracted for a year, has exceeded its initial approved one year of work, yet remains uncompleted.
” We cannot sit down and allow some contractors to sabotage the good efforts of the state government.
” As His Excellency, Gov. Abdullahi Sule mean well and has passion for the development of the state.
” It is in view of this that We are urging the state government to stop
Ela Engineering and Construction Nigeria Limited, handling the construction of Toto/ Umaisha road from working on the said road” he said.
Hon. Azara said that the committee would meet with Gov. Sule with the view of providing final solution by ensuring that the road is constructed fully.
The Chairman assured of his committee’s commitment to synergize with the state government to provide infrastructure across communities of the state.
On his part, Commissioner for Works and Transports, Hon. Muazu Gosho hinted that the ministry has reached an agreement with Gov. Sule regarding the Toto/Umaisha road construction and other roads projects facing similar challenges in the State.
He appreciated the committee for ensuring that the right things are done for the overall development of the state.
In a related development, the Nasarawa Electricity Power Agency (NAePA) also appeared before the committee for assessment of the agency’s 2025 budget performance for the first quarter,
The General manager, Engr. Yakubu Suleiman appreciated the committee for their efforts in ensuring constant power supply in the state.
He also thanked Gov. Abdullahi Sule for prioritizing power supply in the state.
Hon. Suleiman Yakubu Azara, the Chairman of the Committee said that the House would continue to do its best in ensuring that the people of the state enjoyed constant power supply.
He assured the agency of the committee’s support to succeed.
Similarly, Nasarawa State Motor Vehicle Administration and Traffic Management Agency led by its General Manager Mr Victor Jerry Iya also appeared for the same exercise and appreciated the committee for the maximum cooperation the agency is getting from them and called for its sustenance.
Hon. Suleiman Yakubu Azara, the Chairman of the Committee assured the agency of the committee and House continued synergy for effective motor vehicles administration and traffic management in the State.
