Contractor Insists 60 Model Schools Project Ongoing Across Taraba, Denies Abandonment Claims

Prezzo Shed Investment Ltd has dismissed allegations that it abandoned the Taraba State Government's 60 Model Schools project after allegedly receiving N16 billion, describing the claims as misinformation and insisting that construction work is ongoing across the state.

In a statement issued by the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Barrister Emmanuel Njoku, Prezzo Shed said it has recorded "significant milestones" on the project, which cuts across the 16 local government areas of the state and forms part of Governor Agbu Kefas' free education legacy initiative.

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

Prezzo Shed disclosed that several other sites are at advanced stages of construction. Schools in Zing, Wukari and Ibi are currently at roofing level, while those 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 is at damp proof course (DPC) level, while block production has been completed at the Karim Lamido and Sardauna sites.

The company attributed the varying levels of progress to its local content construction model, which involves the on-site production of bricks by trained local artisans.

Responding to reports that brick-making machines were removed from project sites, Prezzo Shed explained that the equipment was only temporarily relocated for routine maintenance, repairs and safekeeping, especially at locations where brick production had been completed for the current phase of work.

It also said some delays recorded at certain sites were due to logistics and the timing of material supply, noting that key finishing materials were delivered shortly before the yuletide period, with installation work resuming thereafter.

On allegations that local artisans and suppliers were disengaged or left unpaid, the company denied permanently disengaging any workers, stating that remobilisation is ongoing in line with construction phases.

Prezzo Shed further refuted claims that it received N16 billion for the project, describing the figure as speculative and misleading. It said all payments were milestone-based and subject to certification and approval by relevant government authorities in line with existing procurement regulations.

The firm disclosed that it has intensified mobilisation efforts and full-scale construction activities has resume across all sites since January 12, 2026. It also said it would submit a portfolio of geo-tagged photographs to appropriate authorities to provide visual evidence of progress at each location.

The clarification followed reports alleging that the contractor had abandoned the state's flagship education project, leaving several sites idle for months and affecting local workers and suppliers.

Prezzo Shed urged members of the public to rely on verified information and reaffirmed its commitment to completing the 60 Model Schools project to the required standards in line with the Kefas administration's free education agenda.