A multi-billion naira drainage project in Kebbi State has reportedly collapsed just months after completion, raising widespread concerns over the use of substandard materials and possible mismanagement.
The project, valued at N7.23 billion and handled by Amirco Engineering Company, was intended to improve flood control in Argungu. However, following recent heavy rainfall, large portions of the drainage system have failed, with cracks and collapsed culverts visible in several sections.
A civic group, MonITNG, raised the alarm in a statement on Thursday, accusing the contractor of compromising engineering standards.
According to the group, hollow blocks were used instead of reinforced concrete in the construction of culverts, an approach they described as unsafe and unfit for infrastructure of this scale.
“Hollow blocks were used where reinforced concrete should have been. This is a dangerous shortcut,” MonITNG said. “Such poor construction methods cannot withstand the pressure of heavy water flow, especially during the rainy season. This failure endangers lives and wastes public funds.”
The group called on anti-graft agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to investigate the project, describing it as a potential case of fraud and negligence.
In response, the Kebbi State Government dismissed the allegations as misleading and politically motivated. In a statement signed by Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, the government said the MonITNG report lacked proper verification and failed to follow standard investigative procedures.
The project, which involves the dualisation of the 6.4-kilometre Old Bypass Road in Argungu, was awarded at a cost of N7.23 billion. It includes road reconstruction, drainage systems, interlocking pavements, solar-powered streetlights, and the construction of roundabouts.
According to official records, the civil engineering portion of the project was valued at over N6.8 billion, with additional provisions for water relocation and structural compensation.
The government maintained that the project complied with approved technical specifications and accused critics of distorting facts to discredit the current administration.
