No Tolerance for Substandard Work, Kaduna Gov Warns Contractors
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf has warned contractors engaged in state-sponsored projects, promising his government will not accept substandard work regardless of personal connections, affiliations, or prior experiences.
Governor Yusuf made the call during the series of unscheduled site visits following his return from Morocco, where he was recently awarded the African Governor of the Year title.
His unscheduled visits traversed strategic infrastructural projects state-wide, which include roads, urban beautification, and healthcare facilities.
During an inspection of the airport road construction project, Governor Yusuf bemoaned some sections of the project and reaffirmed that quality must never be compromised. He reaffirmed that any infrastructure project is supposed to meet global best standards.
“This road must be as smooth as honey and international standard.
“There are to be green trees on both sides. We are building it for the future and for Kano State dignity,” he said.
He also visited the Lodge Road roundabout, where he ordered that the central island be landscaped and decorated. He ordered trees to be planted every six meters, grasses to be installed as decoratives, and even proposed a center water fountain to enhance the looks of the roundabout.
We want a destination that reflects the pride of Kano. Not only are these projects pragmatic; they must be gorgeous,” he declared.
Governor Yusuf made it clear that his administration will not spare any leeway for contractors who produce subpar jobs or fall behind schedule. He said personal ties and party loyalty will not insulate anybody from sanctions if they sacrifice the government’s development targets.
“I don’t care if you’re related to someone in my government. If you sacrifice quality, you’ll be punished,” he warned.
The Governor’s declaration was echoed by the Kano State Ministry of Public Procurement, Project Monitoring, and Evaluation (MPPPM&E), which has been on the move, inspecting project sites in the state. In March, the ministry warned contractors on ten priority projects across seven local government councils to speed up their work or risk having their contracts revoked.
While on an inspection tour, Commissioner Nura Ma’aji Sumaila had registered complaints of slow progress and the employment of substandard efforts in projects like the reconstruction of Bebeji General Hospital. Work on the project was temporarily suspended due to substandard work encountered during inspection, pending review with the contractor.
The hands-on approach of the Governor and strong stance are part of a broad context to promote transparency, accountability, and excellence in the delivery of public infrastructure in Kano State. His administration is determined to uphold quality standards, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, and see that public resources are effectively and efficiently spent.
As Kano presses on with its development plans, the Governor’s message is simple: the days of shortcuts are over, and only those who get the job done with integrity and accuracy will be allowed to work on government projects.
