Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State has come under fire following the announcement of a ₦1.2 billion contract allegedly awarded for the repair of 25 boreholes. Concerns have been raised that the project may be fraudulent, with claims surfacing that there are no boreholes in need of repair.
Governor Aliyu had publicly stated, “We have given out a contract for the repair of 25 boreholes at the rate of one billion two hundred million (₦1,200,000),” framing the initiative as a crucial step to improve access to clean water in the state. However, questions are being raised about the legitimacy of the project, as reports indicate that the boreholes in question may not require such repairs.
Adding to the controversy, Governor Aliyu also approved the construction of the Lugu Dam at a significant cost of ₦33 billion, intended to boost water supply and support agricultural activities in the region. While the dam project is positioned as a major infrastructure development, the questionable borehole repair contract has cast a shadow over the administration’s broader water management strategy.
The Governor has approved a staggering ₦1.2 billion for the repair of 25 boreholes a lone. This decision has sparked widespread debate, particularly given the general knowledge that constructing a brand new borehole in Nigeria typically costs around ₦3 million, which includes the installation of a water pump.
With this in mind, the construction of 25 new boreholes would amount to approximately ₦75 million, a figure that is significantly lower than the approved repair cost. The discrepancy between the costs of new construction and the proposed repair work raises concerns about the transparency and efficiency of the allocation of public funds.
Many are questioning whether the repair of existing infrastructure justifies such a high expenditure or if more cost-effective solutions, such as the construction of new boreholes, should have been considered. This situation highlights the need for greater scrutiny and accountability in the management of state resources.
Critics have urged the state government to provide clear evidence of the boreholes’ need for such extensive repairs. The public is demanding transparency and accountability in how state funds are allocated, particularly in projects of this scale and importance.
As the situation develops, many are calling for an independent investigation into the borehole repair contract to ensure that public resources are being used appropriately and that the project is not part of a larger scam.
