EDITORIAL: A New Dawn for Quality Job Execution in Delta State?

In recent times, the voices of Deltans, amplified by the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), have resonated loudly, demanding an end to subpar job execution in Delta State. The DOPF, an organization committed to advancing Nigeria’s economic and social development through its online news publications, has called upon the government of Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to engage competent contractors and prioritize quality work to avoid the mistakes of the past. It appears that Delta State is now on the path to a more promising development journey, especially in light of the Governor’s recent warning to agencies and contractors regarding the consequences of delivering poor-quality work.

This response from the government aligns with the impact of the DOPF’s call, which we have reliably learned has had a significant effect. Governor Oborevwori’s warning, coupled with the recent remarks by Mr. Charles Aniagwu, the Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine), during project inspections in Okpe and Ethiope East Local Government Areas, underscores the urgent need for improved job quality.

The issue of substandard job execution is not unique to Delta State; it is a problem plaguing Nigeria as a whole. In recognition of this, the Minister for Works, Engr. David Umahi, has mandated that supervisors for all federal projects must be COREN-certified Engineers, including the contractors responsible for these projects.

In Delta State’s history, the use of quality contractors for job execution, particularly on road projects, has been a rare occurrence. The state has, on many occasions, engaged contractors who claimed competence but failed to meet expectations when delivering their projects. However, Governor Oborevwori’s policy statement signals a shift from this legacy of poor project delivery to a standard that will withstand the test of time. A clear example of this commitment is the award of a major contract to the reputable construction company, Julius Berger PLC, for the construction of flyovers and road expansions in Warri and Effurun.

As disclosed by the state Commissioner of Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Akporokiamo Ekedayen  on September 28, 2023, the government’s economic blueprint for 2024 places a strong emphasis on Public Participation and Governance Transparency. This approach, in our view, is commendable as it ensures that the people’s voices are heard, fostering the proper development of the state. Given the state’s abundant natural and human resources, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of project delivery, with active participation from the people.

Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated himself to be a responsive leader, as seen in his prompt response to the pleas regarding the state of federal roads. He has also publicly emphasized the importance of delivering quality work on public projects, a sentiment that should be integrated into the 2024 budget process to prevent funding-related issues.

While we applaud Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s statements and actions thus far, it is imperative that he and his commissioners rein in the supervising officers of ministries and agencies, as many project failures can be traced back to their actions. Stories of corruption and misconduct during supervision are commonplace, with contractors often unfairly shouldering the blame. This is an area where the Minister for Works is actively addressing at the federal level, and it is a model that Delta State should adopt.

Calling these supervising officers to order will be a significant step toward eradicating substandard work in the state. Only then can Governor Oborevwori’s calls for quality job execution be fully realized.

The DOPF’s call for quality contractors and improved supervision is not an attempt to undermine the government or those responsible for executing projects on behalf of the people of the State. Instead, it is a call for solidarity and the advancement of a better Delta. This publication fully supports the Governor’s standards, and the media should continue to scrutinize the system through constructive critique.