Prezzo Shed Investment Ltd has reaffirmed that construction work on the Taraba State Government’s 60 Model Schools project is ongoing, dismissing allegations of abandonment as “misinformation.”

The company made the clarification while conducting journalists and other stakeholders on inspection visits to several project sites across the state, where it said notable progress had been recorded.

Speaking earlier in a statement, the Chief Executive Officer, Barrister Emmanuel Njoku, said the firm had achieved “significant milestones” on the project, which spans all 16 local government areas and forms part of Governor Agbu Kefas’ free education 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 completed and are ready for use.

It added that schools in Zing, Wukari and Ibi have also been completed, while projects in Donga, Nukkai (Jalingo), Yorro, Lau, Ussa, Takum, Bali and Namnai (Gassol) are currently at the roofing stage.

Prezzo Shed attributed the varying levels of completion to its “local content” construction model, which involves on-site brick production by trained local artisans.

Reacting to reports that brick-making machines had been removed from sites, the company explained that the equipment was temporarily relocated for maintenance, repairs and safekeeping, particularly where brick production had been completed.

The firm acknowledged delays at some locations, linking them to logistics challenges and the timing of material supply, noting that key finishing materials arrived shortly before the yuletide period and that installation has since resumed.

On claims that local artisans and suppliers were disengaged or unpaid, Prezzo Shed said workers were not permanently laid off, adding that remobilisation was ongoing in line with construction phases.

The company also denied receiving N16 billion for the project, describing the figure as speculative. It maintained that all payments are milestone-based and subject to certification and approval by relevant government authorities in accordance with procurement regulations.

Prezzo Shed said it was intensifying mobilisation efforts and expects full construction activities to resume across all sites by January 12, 2026. It added that a portfolio of geo-tagged photographs would be submitted to the appropriate authorities as evidence of progress.

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

The company urged the public to rely on verified information, reiterating its commitment to delivering the project in line with the Kefas administration’s free education agenda.