The Niger State Government has reacted to a report that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago uncovered sharp practices by engineers in the Ministry of Works and the consultants and contractors working with the ministry.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Works, Ismaila Saba Favu, made the position of the government known in a statement issued on Saturday.
Favu said in the statement: “The attention of the Niger State Ministry of Works has been drawn to an audio clip circulating on various social media platforms, alleging that the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, has uncovered sharp practices involving engineers, consultants, and contractors engaged in execution of New Niger Projects of the current administration.
“The Ministry wishes to categorically state that the content of the audio clip—which originated from a news broadcast of Prestige FM aired on Thursday May 22,2025 is misleading, mischievous, and intended to tarnish the image of the Ministry, its contractors, and officials.
“It is also a failed attempt to incite the hardworking farmer governor and general public against the ministry.
“We suspect that the motive of the so-called journalist behind this baseless and poorly packaged report is to blackmail ministry officials and contractors after failing to receive patronage and financial gratification.
“This futile attempt to fabricate stories under the guise of journalism is unethical, unprofessional and unacceptable.
“In his deliberate effort to mislead the public and execute his hatchet job, the journalist used modern technological tools to create a voice similar to that of the governor to add credibility to the report.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the government has been meeting routinely to engage with contractors and other stakeholders to review ongoing infrastructure projects to ensure compliance with quality standards, timelines, and contractual obligations.
“The Ministry, under the leadership of the amiable Commissioner, Hon. Suleiman Umar, remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of integrity in the execution of all public infrastructure projects—in full alignment with the mandate and vision of Governor Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago.
“We therefore urge the public to disregard the audio clip and remain supportive to the current administration towards its goal of delivering durable road networks and infrastructure that would stand the test of time.
“Finally, the Ministry strongly warned individuals, groups and blackmailers spreading false information to desist from such evil acts or face consequences of their actions, as the ministry will henceforth not sit idle to allow frequent spread of misinformation against its officials or contractors.
“We also demand an unreserved apology from the management of Prestige FM, Minna and the journalist in question.”
