In this interview with The Pointer crew of Patrick Mgbodo, Rita Oyiboka and Nnaji Blessing; the Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta State on Project Monitoring/Audit, Engr. Goodnews Agbi, sheds light on the state government’s unwavering commitment to quality infrastructure projects under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda. Engr. Agbi candidly addresses the challenges faced by his office in ensuring contractors deliver on their promises, stressing that many contractors lack patriotism, prioritizing profit over the quality of work. He highlights the efforts his team is making to keep these contractors in check, safeguard the interests of Deltans, and ensure that every project aligns with the specifications laid out. Engr. Agbi’s reflections offer a deep dive into how the state government is working to build a better Delta. Excerpts…
Bring us up to speed about the efforts of your office since your appointment.
Thus far, I am very grateful. Well, since my appointment, our activities have been evident in the media, particularly on social media. We have been keeping up with the speed of the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. As you know, our office monitors and audits ongoing projects. Monitoring entails ensuring that the project meets specifications. We ensure that the project adheres to the Bill of Quantities (BoQ). We also ensure that the project meets the Bill of Engineering Measurements when it is related to road construction.
As you are all aware, there are numerous projects ongoing in the state, and more have been awarded. In fact, in the last State Executive Council meeting, over 20 new projects were awarded. The previous executive council meeting last month also saw several jobs being awarded. We strive to keep pace with the progress of these projects. We monitor to ensure that these jobs are completed according to the specified standards. Essentially, this is our mandate.
The government of Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori is keen on quality projects, and we have seen you in the media emphasising the need for contractors to deliver quality projects. However, sir, we still find that some contractors are dragging their feet. Are there any sanctions or punitive measures in place to hold contractors accountable and ensure that citizens receive the best, as envisioned by the governor?
Well, some contractors are doing commendable work, while others are not performing to the required standards. Those who fail to meet their contractual obligations are subject to termination or punitive measures, but only the governor, can implement such actions as the termination of contracts. Our role is to ensure that the contractors complete their jobs satisfactorily, and if they do not, we report directly to the governor. As an agency focused on project monitoring, we cannot directly stop a contractor from executing a job unless we identify issues on-site. You must have observed instances where we have halted work to insist on proper execution.
We guide contractors on how to proceed, and if they do not comply, we compile our report. Some contractors are beginning to fall into line, as they know we are coming to inspect their work.
However, when we are not present, certain contractors may attempt to cut corners. When we arrive, we often find that they are trying to conceal their substandard work.
How often do you monitor these contractors?
We conduct regular monitoring; we sometimes go twice a week or weekly. We have personnel in the field who inform us when contractors are performing poorly, and we respond immediately, often within the same day, to meet with the contractor and ensure they adhere to the required standards. If you have been following our activities in the media, you will see that we have addressed contractors directly many times, urging them to wait for us before proceeding. However, not everyone conforms to this.
There have been occasions where contractors have complained about our frequent site visits. We respond by saying, ‘It is because you are not performing to standard, we must monitor your work closely.’ If we are not present, they might attempt to do anything and simply cover it up. We insist on transparency, requiring them to show us their work. Unfortunately, we cannot ask them to remove parts of their work, in cases where they have laid asphalt, for inspection. It is more effective for us to conduct regular inspections, at least twice a week or monthly, especially when projects are ongoing. If we do not monitor these jobs regularly, the contractors usually tend to want to cut corners.
It’s important to highlight that contractors, by nature, are not patriotic and are primarily profit-driven. Their focus is on completing the job quickly to maximise profit, often without considering the quality of work or community needs. They aim to finish the job, make their profit, and then seek further contracts from the government. They are not as invested in ensuring quality work as we, as ordinary citizens, are, who desire the best for our communities. Thus, we strive to balance these competing interests, and while it is not an easy task, we remain committed to progress.
Your position is quite demanding. However, it is expected that you collaborate with other agencies. You have the Ministry of Works and other relevant fields of engineering. What is your level of relationship with them? How do you coordinate efforts in projects, especially in structural engineering and housing?
The ministries primarily act as clients; they design, scope, award, and supervise the projects. Our agency’s involvement serves as a third party to observe and ensure accountability, recognising that lapses can occur during the process. We engage in independent checks regardless of the scheduled inspections set by the clients’ ministries.
Ultimately, our collective goal is the same: to ensure the best outcome for projects in the state. The governor desires solid and well-executed work, and we are dedicated to achieving that. If a ministry, such as the Ministry of Works, awards a contract and assigns supervision, we also monitor to confirm compliance. Our operations may coincide by chance, but our focus remains on delivering quality outcomes in line with the MORE Agenda.
We work closely with the ministries, and there are times when we reach a consensus on how contractors should proceed. If there are issues with materials or construction practices, we communicate those to the client ministry. They can then formally address the contractor to ensure compliance.
Let’s discuss community involvement, which is essential for ensuring quality projects. For instance, if a government project is underway in a community and residents notice that contractors are cutting corners, what mechanisms do you have in place to encourage them to report such issues to you?
We recently established public phone numbers for this purpose. If any community member notices a contractor performing poorly, they can call one of our four dedicated public lines. We have a help desk and emergency numbers in place. Once notified, we respond swiftly to investigate the contractor’s performance. If it is determined that the contractor is not fulfilling their obligations, we will instruct them to halt work and contact the client ministry. This is how we synergise with various ministries to ensure compliance.
We want communities to view us as partners in ensuring quality work. When a job is awarded in your community, residents need to ensure that it is executed properly. While some might dismiss it as merely a government job, it is ultimately a reflection of your community. Thus, we encourage community members to reach out to us via our public contact numbers if they observe poor workmanship. We will respond within 24 hours to address the situation. As I mentioned, many contractors try to work under the radar; some even conduct their work at night, knowing we are not present. These are some of the challenges we face, but that does not deter us from advocating for high-quality, properly executed projects.
There is also an ongoing debate about local contractors versus foreign ones. Some people argue that local contractors are unable to handle larger projects and often call for foreign expertise. What is your view on this?
Indeed, we need to consider this matter from two perspectives. When jobs are awarded to local contractors, the government indirectly creates employment opportunities for residents. Local contractors will employ local engineers and workers, contributing to job creation, which is a fundamental role of government.
That being said some foreign contractors also utilise local labour. They often source their workforce from the communities where they operate. Therefore, while foreign contractors may bring in expertise, supporting local contractors is beneficial for job creation and community development.
However, in terms of workmanship, our local contractors are making significant strides. For instance, some local contractors are capable of constructing bridges comparable to those built by foreign firms. One notable example is a local contractor working on an impressive bridge around the Ughelli South area.
While some foreign contractors are delivering quality work, we must monitor their performance closely. Not all foreign contractors maintain high standards; we know those who do not provide satisfactory results. Consequently, the governor has decided to collaborate with reputable firms, such as Julius Berger, which is a well-established name in the construction industry. Engaging such companies ensures that projects meet the required standards of excellence.
We also encourage other foreign contractors to emulate the quality of work exhibited by Julius Berger. However, our monitoring and auditing processes have revealed that some foreign contractors are not performing adequately. It is important to emphasise that having foreign expertise does not guarantee perfect execution; they are not infallible.
During this rainy season, many Deltans have seen roads that have not withstood the test of time. Under your supervision, can you assure the public that ongoing road projects will endure?
A crucial aspect that we stress during our monitoring is that every road should have a camber. This means the road must slope towards the edges to prevent water from pooling. If water is not allowed to drain off, it can lead to significant damage over time.
Moreover, effective drainage is vital. For instance, when traveling from Kwale towards Asaba, one can observe that water gathers at a central point of the road due to poor drainage. Water is a universal solvent, and if it remains stagnant on roads or any other surfaces, it will erode the material over time, leading to the formation of potholes in the case of roads.
All competent engineers understand that water must be drained effectively. Unfortunately, many contractors either neglect this or fail to implement proper drainage systems. If you see water accumulating on a road, it indicates a lack of drainage, which will inevitably lead to potholes forming within a year. The government will then have to allocate additional funds to repair the road, a situation that could have been avoided had the contractor implemented adequate drainage solutions.
Therefore, we advise contractors, both local and foreign, that when constructing roads, they must ensure proper water discharge. There are two types of slopes to consider: vertical and longitudinal. A well-constructed road should allow water to flow towards the edges or designated discharge points such as culverts.
In addition to ensuring proper drainage, materials used in construction must be appropriate. Stabilising the road base is essential before beginning construction. There are three major layers to consider: the base course, subgrade, and sub-base. Understanding the type of soil at the subgrade level is crucial, whether it is peat, clay, or sandy soil because these materials can affect the road’s durability.
If the soil is unsuitable, it must be removed until reaching solid ground. The subgrade must be treated properly, and then a suitable sub-base material, such as laterite, should be used. Laterite is particularly effective because it does not expand or contract significantly. After laying the laterite and compacting it, the road becomes much stronger.
Finally, once the sub-base is established, the wearing course can be laid. If these four layers are properly constructed and the water is effectively discharged, the road will have a long lifespan. However, if water is not drained, it will remain on the surface of the wearing course and gradually weaken it. As I mentioned earlier, the expansion and contraction of unsuitable soils can cause depressions in the road under heavy loads, leading to its eventual failure.
Update us on the current state of the Asaba-Ughelli road. When you reach the Ogwashi-Uku axis, the contractors have been working on that area for years, yet the road remains in its current state. What is happening there, and what should Deltans expect?
Previously, there were issues, but now we have confirmed that the contractor has got his act together.
The piers, those structures that support the bridge, are now complete, and the abutments at either end of the bridge have also been finished. Additionally, the beams are already on site. Once they finish that work, they will lay the beams and then install the deck. Once that is completed, the bridge will be finished. This bridge has been the main factor delaying progress, but it is nearing completion.
According to the contractor, they expect to finish the bridge by the end of October. Once the bridge is complete, I believe that the major issues will be resolved. However, after the bridge, as we proceed further, the road also presents challenges.
If you examine both sides of the dual carriageway, you will notice that water accumulates in the centre. This water is not being effectively discharged. Consequently, this area will continue to face problems unless we find a solution to drain the water from the middle of the road to a suitable outlet. If we do not address the drainage issue, even if the bridges are completed, we will likely encounter the same problems within a year or so. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that water does not stagnate along the road.
You have identified several challenges you face with contractors, describing them as profit-oriented. During project monitoring, we have encountered contractors who complain that the government often fails to meet its obligations. How do you reconcile these complaints with your reporting back to the government to ensure that its responsibilities are met?
Yes, we have indeed heard such complaints, where contractors state they are waiting for payments and that once the payment is made, they will continue their work. As I mentioned before, and I will repeat it without any apology, contractors are not always patriotic. When they receive mobilisation funds, they often prioritise their own needs over the projects. This is a common tendency among both local and even some foreign contractors. They may take a portion of the funds to the sites, but the work completed often barely corresponds to the money allocated for mobilisation. It becomes evident that part of the funds has been diverted for other purposes.
When you are paid and mobilised with 20, 30, or even 40 per cent, for example, if you are given N40 million for a job worth N100 million, that should be sufficient to reach a significant milestone. Once you reach that milestone, you can then request further payment. However, some contractors do not follow this process, which is why our work also involves auditing. If you request payment from the government, we go and assess whether the amount you claim is justifiable based on the work done. In the majority of cases, it is not justified.
There are contractors we have observed during our monitoring who abandon their projects after receiving substantial mobilisation payments. How can you expect the government to provide more funds when they have not fulfilled their initial obligations? The work completed is not proportional to what has been paid. This reflects the reality: it is not that the government is failing in its responsibilities, but there are due processes for the government to follow when making payments. If you submit a payment request, you cannot expect the government to pay you immediately; there are checks and balances in place. During this process, contractors must exhibit patience, especially those who are genuinely executing quality work.
As an engineering expert, academician, and politician, what specific recommendations do you have to address the challenges you’ve identified regarding contractors, particularly in ensuring that road projects are awarded to qualified professionals rather than personalities including politicians who may lack the necessary expertise?
Some good politicians do their jobs well. If the government assigns a project to you, all you need to do is engage professionals. There are plenty of engineers available; hire a good engineer to supervise the job. If you mobilise effectively and employ the right people, you will produce quality work.
For instance, we monitored a project worth about N1.6 billion, and the individual on-site was not an engineer and lacked any understanding of engineering. This is where it goes wrong. It is essential that when government contracts are awarded, they should be given to qualified professionals who can execute the work. Some individuals receive jobs but cannot fulfil them properly; instead, they subcontract the work to a competent engineering firm.
Politicians must recognise the importance of assigning projects to those who can execute them effectively. They must consider their political futures, as they will want to ensure that they are viewed positively by their constituents. If they are awarded a job and it is completed satisfactorily, it will enhance their chances in the next election.
When jobs are awarded to those from outside the community who have no stake in the area, they often prioritise their financial gain and disregard the quality of their work. This is in contrast to politicians who are accountable to their constituents; for example, if I am from a local community and receive a contract to work there, I would be motivated to ensure the work is done well to maintain my political credibility. If the community sees that I have done a poor job, it would adversely affect my political career.
In all, it is often better to award projects to those who have a vested interest in the community rather than to outsiders who may simply aim to profit and leave without regard for the quality of their work.
What is your relationship with foreign contractors in Delta State, such as Levant and Julius Berger? Are you able to monitor their work and address any discrepancies you observe?
As someone with significant academic and practical experience in engineering, I am committed to monitoring both foreign and local contractors. My extensive background includes teaching and overseeing major projects such as in Lagos and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), equipping me with the expertise to discern the quality of work, regardless of the contractor’s origin. I hold fellowships in several esteemed engineering institutions, which further affirms my credibility in the field.
For instance, we have had to correct Levant multiple times on various projects, such as the Emevor road, where initial construction led to pooling water and potholes before completion. We alerted them, and they made the necessary adjustments. Currently, we are still addressing issues with water collection on the median of the road, which requires urgent attention to prevent future structural failures.
In contrast, I have observed that Julius Berger’s methods comply with international standards, including thorough curing processes for concrete, which ensures quality work.
Where contractors are not doing the right thing whether they are local or foreign, we will keep supervising and correcting until they do the right thing.
Additionally, what message do you have for Deltans regarding the government’s commitment to quality projects within the framework of the MORE Agenda?
I believe it is essential for all Deltans to act as stakeholders and engage actively in the monitoring process. If community members notice substandard work, they should report it immediately. We have seen success in the past when local youth have intervened, prompting us to step in and rectify issues.
It is vital that journalists and community members understand their role in supporting the MORE Agenda and that we all work together as stakeholders. The government aims to create value for every community, and it is the responsibility of the community to participate actively in this process.
