The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed claims that the Federal Government awarded a section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road dualization project to Infoquest Nigeria Ltd. He described the report, published in a national daily, as false, damaging, and unjustified.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Umahi demanded a public apology from the newspaper for disseminating inaccurate information. “The newspaper must issue an apology to the Ministry of Works, published in at least five national dailies,” he insisted.
Clarification on the Reawarded Contract
The minister clarified that the contractor handling the project is Infiouest International Limited, not Infoquest Nigeria Ltd, as alleged. He noted that Infiouest International Limited had fully complied with all legal and corporate requirements.
Umahi also refuted claims that Infoquest Nigeria Ltd secured a ₦252.89 billion “No Objection” from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) for the project. He described the report as a deliberate attempt to undermine the ministry’s commitment to transparency and value-for-money in project execution.
Julius Berger’s Contract Termination
Addressing statements by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc regarding its terminated contract on the Abuja-Kano road project, Umahi accused the company of failing to meet contractual terms after 40 months of negotiations.
“We couldn’t agree on timelines or a fair price,” Umahi said, adding that 65% of the project had been completed at ₦391 billion, while Julius Berger demanded an additional ₦1.1 trillion to finish the remaining 35%.
To expedite completion, Umahi explained, the ministry disaggregated the project and re-awarded sections 1 and 3 under a tax credit scheme, while Section 2 remains under procurement. Julius Berger has been invited to submit a bid alongside other companies.
Concerns Over Quality and Cost
Umahi criticized the quality of work on completed sections of the road, emphasizing the government’s focus on durable infrastructure. “The patches on the road are evidence of inadequate quality,” he said, reiterating the need for value-for-money in all projects.
He also revealed that Julius Berger had been hiring equipment from InfoQuest, contradicting claims of the latter’s inexperience. Additionally, Umahi accused Julius Berger of frequently requesting contract reviews and additional costs.
“In September, they requested ₦80 billion for the Port Harcourt-Bonny Road, despite a no-review clause in their initial agreement,” he disclosed.
Accountability Measures
The ministry has introduced measures to enforce accountability, including penalty clauses for contractors who fail to deliver on time. “We are committed to protecting taxpayers’ money and ensuring value for every kobo spent,” Umahi assured.
Ministry’s Commitment
Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, reiterated the ministry’s dedication to transparency and efficiency. “We will not succumb to pressure or misinformation. Our focus remains on delivering quality infrastructure for Nigerians,” he said.
The Ministry of Works emphasized its commitment to ensuring that all projects meet the highest standards of quality and value while maintaining fairness and transparency in the procurement process.
