Civic tech organisation, MonitNG has raised concern over poor materials being used to construct the N7.23 billion Argungu Bypass Road in Kebbi State.
The N7.23 billion project was awarded to Amirco Universal Concept by the Kebbi State government in 2024 with a 12-month completion timeline.
According to MonitNG, the contractor is using blocks for drainage infrastructure, saying this goes against standard engineering guidelines, which recommended reinforced concrete for such critical components to ensure safety and longevity.
But the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris dismissed the concerns raied by MonitNG.
Idris said the project was being executed by the contractor in line with the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the state government.
He said the use of blocks for the drainage was specified in the MoU.
Idris said: “On the drainage they said they should use blocks. That was the agreement signed with the state government. Not that there will not be concrete to support the drainage. No matter how road construction is done blocks are used to support it. That is exactly what happened. But some people are using it to blackmail the government, most especially the opposition.”
Founder of MonitNG, Uadamen Ilevbaoje in a statement on Monday in Abuja said: “Our latest findings reaffirm our initial report, confirming that substandard materials are still being used, despite the significant N7.23 billion allocated for the project. The contract was awarded on October 16, 2024, to Amirco Universal Concept with a 12-month completion timeline. Instead of issuing dismissive statements, the government should provide clear evidence that engineering standards are being followed. Accountability must take precedence over rhetoric.
“What we found is deeply concerning. The continued use of cement blocks in the drainage system compromises the road’s structural integrity, posing risks to public safety and increasing the likelihood of premature deterioration and costly repairs. This situation raises serious questions about the quality control and oversight mechanisms in place. Are the people of Kebbi State truly getting value for the public funds being spent?
“A key factor contributing to this issue is the absence of an effective Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework. Without rigorous oversight, substandard work thrives. Proper monitoring is essential to curb corruption, enforce the use of quality materials, and ensure infrastructure projects serve the public interest. The Ministry of Budget and Planning must take a more proactive role in translating approved budgets into tangible, high-quality outcomes.
“The use of inferior materials also points to a wider systemic issue: contractors cutting corners to increase profit margins, often enabled by political interference. Materials are sometimes procured at inflated prices, yet the consequences for such malpractice are rare. It is the citizens who ultimately pay the price for these failures.
“Compounding the problem is the lack of transparency in budgetary processes. Projects are often developed and executed behind closed doors, wrapped in technical jargon that excludes the average citizen from participating or understanding how their communities are being shaped. Without genuine public engagement, accountability remains elusive.
“Furthermore, the chronic underperformance of capital projects continues to hinder development. Like the Argungu Bypass, many initiatives are either poorly executed or fall far short of the specifications laid out in budget documents. This level of negligence is unacceptable, particularly given the scale of public resources involved.
“As a non-governmental and non-partisan organisation, our commitment is to promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible governance. Our work is based on facts and field evidence, not political motives. We will continue to monitor public projects and demand that public funds are used effectively, responsibly, and in ways that genuinely serve the people.”
Ilevbaoje noted that one of the major reasons substandard public projects persist across Nigeria is the lack of an effective Monitoring and Evaluation framework.
He noted that without proper oversight, corruption goes unchecked, inferior materials are used, and citizens are left to deal with failed infrastructure like we’ve seen with the Argungu Bypass Road.
According to him, the Ministry of Budget and Planning must step up and ensure that what is on paper translates into real, quality service delivery on the ground.
He added: “It’s unfortunate that contractors still get away with cutting corners and inflating project costs, often with political backing.These are not isolated issues they reflect a broader problem where public funds are misused, and there are no consequences. Meanwhile, communities are left with broken roads, abandoned schools, and health centres that can’t serve their purpose.
“There is also a serious problem with the lack of transparency in our budget process. Citizens are rarely consulted, and when budgets are released, they are full of technical language that makes it hard for the average person to engage or ask questions. This creates a gap between government and the people and weakens public accountability.
“If we are serious about development, we must tackle these issues head-on. Transparent budgeting, proper project monitoring, and involving citizens every step of the way are not optional they are necessary. Until we get this right, we will keep repeating the same cycle of failed promises and wasted resources.”