The Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Goronyo, has announced that the Nigerian government has summoned the contractor responsible for the Talum irrigation project in Adamawa State, worth N128 million. The minister expressed disappointment during an inspection visit to the project site in Kiri, Shelleng Local Government Area of the state.
The Talum irrigation project is under the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority, Yola, with the contract awarded to American West Africa Agro. Goronyo emphasized that it is not the time to abandon projects, and the government is committed to ensuring that contractors fulfill their obligations.
He stated, “I think the time of abandoning projects is over. We are here to galvanize the resources to ensure that whichever contract you are given, you must implement the contract because Nigerians must get value for their money. There is no way somebody can be awarded a contract and sleep without implementing it.”
The minister summoned the contractor to a meeting in Abuja on Monday to discuss the delays in the project. The move reflects the government’s commitment to monitoring and ensuring the timely and successful completion of projects for the benefit of the Nigerian people.
During the inspection, the minister also visited the Kiri Dam facility and Dangote Sugar refinery, which utilize water from the dam. Goronyo emphasized the importance of effective water management and explored opportunities for public-private partnerships in water-related ventures.