Jigawa Suspends ₦1.3bn Hospital Renovation Contract Over Substandard Work

By Muhd’ud Zangina Kura, Ditse

Jigawa State governor, Malam Umar Namadi has ordered the immediate suspension of the ₦1.3 billion renovation and remodelling contract for Gumel General Hospital, citing poor workmanship, substandard quality, and unsatisfactory progress by the contractor.

The suspension of the contract followed an unscheduled midnight inspection of the facility paid by the governor, during which he assessed the pace and quality of the ongoing work.

Accompanied by officials, Namadi toured key areas of the hospital, including the female and male wards, the General Out-Patient Department (GOPD), and the isolation centre.

Expressing strong displeasure, the governor described the work as below standard and falling short of the contractual terms approved by the state government.

“The progress is very poor. We approved a complete renovation and remodelling of this hospital, but what I have seen is not what we asked for. I have directed that the contract be suspended immediately,” he stated.

Namadi emphasised that the government had committed substantial public funds to upgrade the hospital into a modern healthcare facility and would not tolerate shoddy work or avoidable delays that could undermine the project’s objectives.

He subsequently directed the Ministry of Health to suspend the contractor and take all necessary steps to safeguard government funds, while ensuring that the project is eventually completed according to approved specifications.

The contract for the comprehensive renovation and remodelling of Gumel General Hospital was awarded to Yasmeen Automobile Nigeria Limited on December 17, 2025, at a cost exceeding ₦1.3 billion, with a completion timeline of eight months.

The governor also extended his inspection to Ringim General Hospital, where he identified areas in need of urgent attention and directed the contractor in charge to accelerate work while upholding required quality standards.

Namadi warned all contractors handling government projects across Jigawa State that his administration would enforce strict compliance with contractual obligations, adding that no contractor would be permitted to compromise quality or waste public resources.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and value-for-money in project execution, particularly in the health sector, stressing that every investment must translate into improved healthcare services for the people of the state.