Former governor Bello Matawalle initially awarded the airport construction contract to AVIC International Engineering Limited for ₦11.4 billion. The government paid ₦3.5 billion (30% mobilization) to start work and an additional ₦2.3 billion (20% of the contract sum) due to the COVID-19 lockdown, totaling ₦5.8 billion paid for the project.
However, in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, Shinkafi, who serves as the current Executive Director of Patriot for Advancement of Peace and Social Development, questioned the ₦62.8 billion contract award process. He alleged that it was awarded without due process and that the project’s cost is inflated.
He also claimed that the previous administration had already completed the project’s design and paid compensation to affected farmers, but the current government revoked the contract and re-awarded it at a much higher cost.
Shinkafi further expressed concern over the government’s decision to revoke the contract from the original contractor, AVIC International Engineering Limited, and re-award it to another company, despite the fact that the project was already ongoing.
He stated, “Governance is a continuum, a relay race where an elected leader completes their tenure and hands over the baton to their successor for the sustainable development of the state. It is essential to build upon the achievements of predecessors rather than dismantling their progress.
“However, it is absurd, inconceivable, and preposterous to revoke an ongoing project and re-award it at an inflated cost of ₦62.8 billion, making it one of the most expensive airports in Nigeria. These actions go against the principles of good governance and prudent management of resources.
“The people of Zamfara State now long for the good old days of Governor Bello Matawalle’s administration, which demonstrated a commitment to progress and development.
“We must resist anti-democratic and anti-people policies and actions, and instead strive for a better society where governance is tailored to meet the needs of the people.”
The Zamfara State Government has not responded to requests for comment on the matter. However, sources close to the government have denied any wrongdoing, stating that the contract was re-awarded due to the previous contractor’s inability to complete the project on time.
The airport project, which was initiated several years ago, has been plagued by delays and controversies, with the current government promising to complete it before the end of its tenure.
Meanwhile, AVIC International Engineering Limited has approached the Federal High Court Abuja in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1188/2023 to seek redress over the contract revocation.
The company is also seeking a court order to restrain the Zamfara State Government from re-awarding the contract to another company.