A N7.23 billion drainage project in Kebbi State has reportedly collapsed just months after its completion, according to allegations by civic monitoring group MonITNG.
The drainage system, part of a larger infrastructure project in Argungu, suffered significant damage following recent heavy rainfall, with visible cracks and collapsed culverts appearing in several sections.
In a statement released on Thursday, MonITNG accused Amirco Engineering Company, the contractor handling the project, of compromising engineering standards by using hollow blocks instead of reinforced concrete in the construction of culverts.
"Hollow blocks were used where reinforced concrete should have been. This is a dangerous shortcut," the group stated. "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 civic group has called on anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to investigate what they described as a potential case of fraud and negligence.
Government Denies Allegations
The Kebbi State Government has strongly refuted these claims, dismissing them as "misleading and politically motivated." Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, issued a statement arguing that the MonITNG report lacked proper verification and failed to follow standard investigative procedures.
According to official records, the project involves the dualisation of the 6.4-kilometre Old Bypass Road in Argungu at a cost of N7.23 billion. The comprehensive development includes road reconstruction, drainage systems, interlocking pavements, solar-powered streetlights, and the construction of roundabouts.
The civil engineering portion of the project was reportedly valued at over N6.8 billion, with additional provisions for water relocation and structural compensation.
State authorities maintain that the project complied with all approved technical specifications and have accused critics of distorting facts to discredit the current administration.
This controversy comes at a time when infrastructure development remains a critical issue across Nigeria, with concerns about project quality and sustainability frequently raised by civil society organizations.
