No Certification Without Standards, Delta Works Commissioner Declares
Government Reinforces Zero-Tolerance for Substandard Work
THE Delta State Government has reiterated its commitment to strict quality control in public infrastructure delivery, warning contractors that claims of project completion will not guarantee payment unless work is executed strictly in line with approved specifications.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, stated this at the weekend during an inspection of the Edion Road project in Oteri-Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area.
According to the commissioner, the administration of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is determined to ensure accountability, durability and value for money in all government-funded projects across the state.
Quality, Not Claims, Determines Certification
Izeze stressed that certification and payment for projects are strictly tied to compliance with technical specifications rather than contractors’ assertions of completion.
“Quality compliance, not claims of completion, is what determines whether a project is certified and paid for,” he said, adding that contractors must meet all engineering and design requirements before receiving government funds.
He noted that the inspection of Edion Road revealed shortcomings that must be corrected, despite the contractor’s claim that the project had been completed.
Weekend Inspection Signals Governor’s Resolve
The commissioner explained that his decision to conduct inspections during the weekend reflected the governor’s uncompromising stance on project monitoring and accountability.
“When you see me here, you are not seeing Reuben Izeze as an individual. You are seeing an extension of the Governor’s resolve that projects must be properly executed and verified before any certification or payment is made,” he said.
Izeze recalled that Governor Oborevwori had repeatedly warned contractors that there would be “no free lunch” in the execution of government projects, insisting that every kobo released must be earned through work done strictly according to approved standards.
Defects Identified on Edion Road
Providing an update on the Edion Road project, Izeze disclosed that the inspection team identified critical areas requiring corrective work.
“We have made very important observations that must be addressed. Until those corrections are carried out to specification, the project cannot be considered complete,” he stated.
He did not disclose the financial value of the project but emphasized that the government would not hesitate to withhold certification until all identified issues are fully rectified.
Assurance to Host Communities
The commissioner assured residents of Oteri-Ughelli and neighbouring communities that the state government would not compromise on quality, noting that the objective of the inspection exercise was to ensure the delivery of durable and functional road infrastructure.
He explained that poorly executed projects often result in early deterioration, higher maintenance costs and inconvenience to road users, outcomes the Oborevwori administration is determined to avoid.
Sustained Monitoring Across the State
Izeze said similar inspections would continue across Delta State, as part of the government’s broader effort to enforce standards and restore public confidence in infrastructure delivery.
He urged contractors to view inspections as an opportunity to align with best practices, warning that substandard execution would no longer be tolerated under the current administration.
