Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has issued a stern rebuke to officials and contractors involved in the execution of government construction projects across the state, citing widespread sharp practices and unprofessional conduct.

In a video that has gone viral on social media, Governor Bago specifically called out the Ministry of Works, the New Niger Development Company, and various consultants for their "lackadaisical attitude" and failure to provide accurate reports on project progress.

"I want to first rebuke the consultants, the Ministry of Work, and the New Niger Development company for their sharp practices and lackadaisical attitude for not reporting the right thing on the ongoing projects in the state," the governor stated firmly.

The governor revealed that he had halted payments to contractors due to these irregularities, noting significant disparities in project completion rates across the state. "Some are performing superlative while some are performing very decimally," Bago observed, expressing disappointment that while some contractors had completed 100% of their assigned work, others were still struggling with basic components like drainage systems.

Hinting at possible collusion between officials and contractors, Governor Bago disclosed, "Some of you have your Certificate of Verification (CV) in the banks, I stopped it because I am not satisfied."

The governor assured contractors with pending invoices that funds would be released, but only to those demonstrating the capacity to deliver quality work. "At my own discretion, I will approve for those I think have the capacity to continue, you will get your payment," he stated.

Bago also emphasized that the Ministry of Works would no longer have unilateral authority to approve funds without proper oversight, signaling a tightening of controls over project management and fund disbursement in the state.

This development comes as part of Governor Bago's broader efforts to improve governance and project delivery in Niger State, where infrastructure development remains a key priority for his administration.