By Micah Jonah
January 26, 2026
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress of the Zaria–Sheme Road project following an inspection in Sheme, Katsina State.
The road forms part of the dualisation of the Zaria Funtua Sokoto corridor, spanning Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states, with multiple contractors handling different sections. Goronyo noted that while Mothercat Nigeria Limited delivered high-quality work from Sheme to Zaria, overall progress currently at 17% falls short of expectations.
The minister, inspecting on President Bola Tinubu’s directive through Minister of Works Dave Umahi, directed contractors to accelerate work. Mothercat promised to complete 21 kilometres on both lanes by March and about 98 kilometres in the next 11-12 months.
Controllers will remain on site to monitor progress, with the ministry enforcing timelines and quality standards. Goronyo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure and urged contractors to maintain existing road sections to ease motorists’ movements.
Project Manager Ziad Karam cited rising material costs, Naira depreciation, and rescoping approvals as key challenges.
