The Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, on Thursday said he has more pressing problems than expending money for the completion of the projects left behind by his predecessor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu.
Bello said this while inspecting the Minna Airport City project initiated by Aliyu.
This was after he was told that about N12 billion would be needed to complete the project.
According to him: “My most pressing need is to provide water and light for the people, ensure there are adequate infrastructures in schools and provide facilities for hospitals in the state.
“I do not have money to pay for this project.
“I have more serious and pressing problems now.
“I have students sitting on the floor, people without drinking water, hospital without facilities.
“Those are my priorities now.
“Or do you have money?
“If you have money, do it with your money and we will find a way to pay you later.
“I suggest the project be restructured.
“If we want to complete it, there is no money.
“If we do not complete it, it will waste away.
“We will get someone who has money to invest in it to complete it.”
Bello however lamented that even if the government gets a bond for the project, the project cannot be seen to bring in N2 billion every year, insisting that the contractors needed to restructure the project.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Architect Adamu Jagaba, explained that about N12 billion would be needed to complete the Minna Airport City project, adding that N800 million has already been expended for the project.
Jagaba said: “N600 million was expended for the City Tower, which is suppose to be 17 floors, and the contractors are currently on the fourth floor, while N200 million has been expended for the shopping mall.”
Jagaba further said the project was being funded by the government, which had to take over when the private investors failed to meet up the stipulated time.
Bello also inspected the Legislative and Commissioners Quarters in the proposed Three Arms zone in the state, expressing satisfaction over the level of work done.
He said: “From what I have seen, I am impressed on the level of work done here.
“The challenge is to look for funds to finish it up but we will look into it to ensure that the remaining houses at the legislative quarters are completed.”
Bello called on the Ministry of Works to ensure that there is water and light in place before the houses are completed.
Meanwhile, the Governor was unable to inspect the Minna Neo-Natal Hospital because the contractors have locked up the building alleging that government is still owning them N167 million.
The contractors are with the keys to the gate of the hospital and are currently in Abuja.
It was gathered that they have vowed not to return the keys until they are duly paid.
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