By Rabiu sanusi
The Kano State Ministry for Public Procurement, Projects Monitoring and Evaluation (MPPPME) has conducted an inspection of ongoing and newly commenced development projects across Bagwai and Shanono Local Government Areas as part of its continued efforts to ensure quality, compliance, accountability and value for money in the execution of government projects.
The monitoring exercise covered no fewer than 38 projects across the two local government areas, with the technical team of the Ministry assessing the level of implementation, quality of work, adherence to specifications and other relevant contractual requirements.
The inspection team was led by the Honourable Commissioner, Comrade Nura Ma’aji Sumaila, who personally inspected the take-off of the Shanono Modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre Project.
The inspection provided an opportunity for the Ministry’s technical team to assess the commencement of the project, review the initial construction activities and engage relevant stakeholders and contractors on the need to adhere strictly to approved specifications, standards and timelines.
Briefing journalists during the inspection, Commissioner Ma’aji Sumaila disclosed that the Kano State Government had awarded contracts worth approximately ₦27.806 billion for the construction of modern ICT and CBT centres across all 44 Local Government Areas of the State.
According to him, the initiative is designed to expand access to digital facilities at the grassroots, strengthen ICT infrastructure and provide students and other residents with improved access to Computer-Based Testing and other digital services.
He explained that the establishment of the centres across the State would contribute to bridging the digital divide between urban and rural communities, while also making e-examinations more accessible and convenient for students, particularly those in underserved areas.
The Commissioner stressed that the Ministry would continue to monitor the projects from commencement through completion to ensure that public funds were judiciously utilised and that projects delivered to communities met the required quality and technical standards.
Earlier, the MPPPME team had inspected 17 development projects in Bagwai Local Government Area, with a combined contract sum of N6,012,384,733.40.
The projects inspected covered various sectors and included the repair of two ARMCO culverts, supply and installation of solar-powered streetlights, renovation of schools, construction of a 5-kilometre dual-carriage road, construction of a neighbourhood security watch office, among other development interventions.
The team also visited the site of a dam project in Bagwai, inspected hand-pump boreholes and assessed several other ongoing projects across the local government area.
During the inspection, the Commissioner and the Ministry’s technical personnel examined the physical progress of the projects and interacted with contractors and other relevant stakeholders, reiterating the importance of delivering projects in accordance with approved designs, specifications, quality standards and contractual obligations.
The inspection is part of the Ministry’s ongoing project monitoring activities aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability in public procurement, ensuring value for money and promoting the timely delivery of sustainable infrastructure for the people of Kano State.
The MPPPME, under the leadership of Comrade Nura Ma’aji Sumaila, has continued to intensify field inspections across the State to provide independent technical oversight and ensure that government projects translate into tangible development outcomes for communities.
It was containing in statement issued by Ministry information officer Sagir Ado Abubukar where made available to Journalists.
