Kebbi State’s ₦7.23 billion drainage project, awarded to Amirco Engineering Company, has reportedly suffered extensive damage just months after completion, following heavy rainfall. The collapse has sparked public outrage and concerns over corruption, mismanagement, and substandard practices in the execution of public infrastructure projects in Nigeria.
A civil society organisation, MonITNG, in a statement on Thursday, raised alarm over the state of the project, revealing that several sections of the newly constructed drainage system have already shown signs of structural failure. These include large cracks and collapsed culverts, which have become visible across different areas.
According to MonITNG, the project’s premature failure is attributed to the use of hollow blocks instead of reinforced concrete for the culverts—an alarming deviation from standard engineering practice.
The statement reads:
“Instead of using reinforced concrete for the culverts, which is the standard for durability, the contractor used hollow blocks—an alarming shortcut. This method of construction is highly questionable. Hollow blocks are not designed to withstand the kind of pressure that culverts must bear, especially during heavy rainfall or flooding. This is a textbook example of substandard work, which not only risks the early failure of the drainage system but also endangers lives and property in the community.”
MonITNG further stated:
“Public infrastructure projects are meant to serve the people for years, if not decades. When contractors cut corners by using inferior materials, they waste taxpayers’ money and put lives at risk. This is especially disturbing, considering the ₦7.23 billion budget. With such a large sum, Kebbi State should be receiving world-class infrastructure, not a system that starts failing within months.”
The organisation has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to urgently investigate the project’s handling.
In response, the Kebbi State Government has denied the allegations of using substandard materials. In a press release dated March 20, 2025, the government refuted the claims made in MonITNG’s report, describing it as an attempt to tarnish the reputation of Governor Nasir Idris’s administration.
The statement, signed by Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, maintained that the allegations were based on unverified claims and lacked proper investigative procedures.
According to the government, the project was awarded to Amirco Engineering at a contract sum of ₦7,230,373,515.68 for the dualisation of the 6.4-kilometre Old Bypass Road in Argungu Township.
The government clarified that the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME) included the total scarification of the carriageway, redesign of the old single carriageway into a dual carriageway, excavation for drains and culverts, installation of interlocking pavements, solar-powered streetlights, and construction of roundabouts at three key locations.
The civil works alone reportedly accounted for ₦6.8 billion, while additional works such as water relocation and structural compensation brought the total project cost to over ₦7.23 billion.
The Kebbi State Government further emphasised that the concerns raised by MonITNG about the use of blocks instead of reinforced concrete for culverts were a result of misinterpretation. According to them, the project strictly adhered to approved engineering specifications.
Stay connected with Alayo Radio TV for the latest updates on this developing story.