By Mo. Hanif
The Federal Ministry of Works has debunked allegations surrounding the recent re-award of the Abuja-Kaduna highway project, clarifying that the contract was not granted to the inactive Infoquest Nigeria Limited, as previously reported by some media outlets. Instead, the Ministry revealed that the contract, worth ₦252.89 billion, was awarded to Infiouest Nigeria Limited, a company fully compliant with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020.
In a press release issued on January 21, 2025, the Ministry emphasized that it has no business relationship with Infoquest Nigeria Limited and described the earlier reports as misleading. It further demanded a public apology from the publishing outlet for disseminating false information.
The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, confirmed that Infiouest Nigeria Limited met all legal and procedural requirements for the issuance of the “No Objection” certificate. He stated, “Our decisions are guided by transparency and due process. Infiouest Nigeria Limited's track record includes successful completion of multi-billion-naira contracts with federal agencies such as the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Ministry of Water Resources.”
Dr. Adedokun also dispelled any notions of political interference, emphasizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to upholding integrity in governance.
The contract, which had been previously held by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, was terminated due to cost escalations and delays. The Federal Government assured that Infiouest Nigeria Limited would complete the rehabilitation of Section 1 of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway within 12–14 months.
This clarification serves as a stern reminder of the importance of accurate reporting and adherence to ethical journalism. While the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to transparency and efficiency, the public is urged to verify claims before forming opinions.
The Ministry's statement underscores its dedication to delivering critical infrastructure projects without compromising the rule of law or quality standards.
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