‘Unacceptable’ — Umar Namadi slams contractor over ‘substandard’ N10.8bn project in Jigawa

Umar Namadi, governor of Jigawa state, expressed outrage over the “subpar” work on the N10.8 billion gully erosion control project in Kargo, Dutse LGA of the state.

During an unscheduled visit to the site on Saturday, Namadi criticised Retercha Company Limited, the contractor, for using “substandard materials”, warning that his administration would not tolerate poor workmanship.

The project, supported by the World Bank, aims at combatting erosion in affected communities, including Danmasara, Yalwawa, and Kargo, under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) initiative.

“This is unacceptable, water will wash away this. We can’t take this; it’s not possible,” the governor said.

“We expect nothing but the best quality work that can stand the test of time.”

Namadi hollered at the project’s consultant and site engineer.

He also challenged the consultant’s claim that the subpar work was an “error”, asking, “why error everywhere?”

When the project engineer said the Standards Organisation of Nigeria’s (SON) had approved the work, Namadi said: “Don’t tell me that. Was it the SON that awarded the contract or the state government? Was the contract paid for by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria or the state government? It should be done according to my standards. This is wrong.”

Namadi ordered the contractor to correct the subpar work immediately, ensuring the project’s intended goals are met.

“My administration would not tolerate substandard work, especially on projects aimed at improving the lives of citizens,” he said.

Jigawa state Governor caught the contractor by himself.

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Nigerians are enablers in the underdevelopment of Nigeria

The government will pay good money for project and then we get a substandard work from the contractors just because they want to cut down cost to enrich… pic.twitter.com/n006rFmgNO

— Oguntoye Opeyemi (@Equityoyo) March 22, 2025