Contractor Denies Abandoning School Projects In Taraba

A firm, Prezzo Shed Investment Ltd, has dismissed allegations that it abandoned the Taraba State Government’s 60 Model School projects after allegedly receiving N16 billion, describing the claims as “misinformation” and insisting that construction work was ongoing across the state.

In a statement issued by the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Barrister Emmanuel Njoku, on Wednesday, the company said it had recorded “significant milestones” on the project, which spanned all 16 local government areas of the State and formed part of Governor Agbu Kefas’ free education legacy initiative.

According to the firm, two pilot schools—Government Comprehensive Secondary School (GCSS), Jalingo, and Government Secondary School, Jauro-Yinu in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area—have been completed and were ready for use.

Prezzo Shed said several other sites were at advanced stages, with schools in Zing, Wukari and Ibi LGAs at roofing level, while projects in Donga, Nukkai (Jalingo), Yorro, Lau, Kurmi, Ussa, Takum, Bali and Namnai (Gassol) have reached lintel level. It added that construction at Mutum Biyu in Gassol and Gashaka was at damp proof course (DPC) level, while blocks had been produced at Karim Lamido and Sardauna sites.

The company attributed the differing levels of completion to its “local content” construction approach, which relies on on-site production of bricks by trained local artisans.

Responding to reports that brick-making machines had been removed from project sites, Prezzo Shed said the equipment was temporarily relocated for routine maintenance, repairs and safekeeping, particularly at locations where brick production had been completed for the current construction stage.

It also explained that some delays experienced at various sites were linked to logistics and the timing of material supply, noting that key finishing materials were delivered shortly before the yuletide period and that installation work has since resumed.

On allegations that local artisans and suppliers had been disengaged or left unpaid, the company said it had not permanently disengaged workers, adding that remobilisation was ongoing in line with construction phases.

Prezzo Shed further denied claims that it received N16billion for the projecta, describing the figure as speculative. It said all payments were milestone-based and subject to certification and approval by relevant government authorities in line with procurement regulations.

The company said it was intensifying mobilisation efforts and expected full construction activities to resume across all sites by January 12, 2026. It added that it would submit a portfolio of geo-tagged photographs to the appropriate authorities to provide visual evidence of progress at each location.

The development followed a report alleging that the contractor had abandoned the state’s flagship education project, leaving multiple sites idle for months, a development affecting hundreds of local workers and suppliers.

Prezzo Shed urged the public to rely on verified information only and maintained that it remains committed to completing the schools to the required standards under the Governor Kefas administration’s free education agenda.