Housing Minister Threatens to Cancel Projects Over Contract Breach

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, warned that housing projects awarded to contractors who do not meet the terms of their contracts may be revoked.

Darma made the statement while inspecting 250 ongoing housing projects in Katsina on Sunday. He expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work and the long delays at several sites.

The 250 housing units were awarded by the federal government through the former Minister, Ahmed Dangiwa, with a six‑month completion deadline.

According to Darma, contractors working on the Renewed Hope Housing projects have breached their agreements by failing to finish the work within the agreed period.

He noted that the projects, originally scheduled for completion in six months, have remained unfinished after more than one and a half years.

The minister added that the contractors extended the six‑month period stated in their contracts without obtaining official extensions from the federal government.

Darma said: “I was told that there are 250 houses completed here, but from what I have seen, only 130 are completely finished, which means 120 have not been completed. So, close to half of it has not been completed.”

“I am not satisfied. I think it is not good for someone who has signed a contract agreement and said that he will finish this work in a certain time, and you have now delayed the work for whatever reason without seeking an extension of the duration.”

“If you cannot finish it in six months for whatever reason, you come back to the ministry and make an addendum to that contract. If it is money that you don’t have, you come to the ministry and ask for an extension of time.”

The minister instructed ministry officials to compile comprehensive reports on all contracts at the site, including details of contractors, contract terms, duration, and levels of completion.

He also announced that a technical assessment team would later evaluate the structural integrity and habitability of the housing units before they are handed over to beneficiaries.