Obaseki stated that there is no need for the project to be abandoned because funds have been set aside to complete it.
The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has described President Muhammadu Buhari's government as irresponsible for abandoning many infrastructural projects in the state.
The governor stated this while speaking to journalists after he inspected the Universal Basic Education Commission's proposed Model School for South-South Zone at Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, claiming that the unfinished projects were affecting the socio-economic growth of the state.
He said, "This is an educational institution that is supposed to be used in training teachers to strengthen our educational system. This is supposed to have been completed but as usual when it comes to Federal Government projects, they don't care. It's just an irresponsible approach to development."
Obaseki stated that there is no need for the project to be abandoned because funds have been set aside to complete it.
"The Korean government gave a grant and this project was supposed to have been completed over a year ago. It has been abandoned as usual.
"I just pray that this country does not continue like this. This is absolutely irresponsible."
The governor went on to say that the state is ready to take over and finish the project for the benefit of the people of the state.
Obaseki added, "At this stage, at some point in time, if it is not completed, the state will have to just take it over, complete and use it."
In August 2021, the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, NIQS, disclosed that there are 56,000 abandoned projects in Nigeria, estimating the cost at N12 trillion.
Abba Tor, the President of NIQS, said that most contracts fail in Nigeria due to poor cost estimation. Politicians and even private individuals tend to embark on projects without employing the services of experts, and even when they do, they do not strictly follow expert advice.
Abba added that by the time market realities dawn on the facilitator, the project would be suspended, while some went ahead to cut corners, leading to failures of building, bridge and road projects.
He further identified corruption as the reason why most public projects are abandoned in Nigeria, saying many contracts are awarded to politically-exposed, overnight construction businessmen and women who collect mobilisation fees and abandon work.