The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has refuted claims that his ministry awarded a section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road dualisation project to Infoquest Nigeria Ltd.
In a statement issued at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, attended by the Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Umahi denounced the reports as misleading and harmful. He condemned the allegations as mischievous, misleading, and damaging to the ministry’s reputation.
The false reports suggested that Infoquest Nigeria Ltd had received a “No Objection” certificate for N252.89 billion from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) for the rehabilitation of part of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road. The reports further claimed that the ministry had awarded the contract to the company. However, Umahi clarified that the ministry has no dealings with Infoquest Nigeria Ltd.
The minister explained that the company involved in the project is “Infiouest International Limited,” a legally registered entity that is fully compliant with all corporate regulations under the Companies and Allied Matters Act. Umahi accused the publication of maliciously distorting facts to harm the ministry and discredit a reputable company with proven capacity in road construction.
Umahi also expressed concern over recent misleading reports by Julius Berger Plc, which he said were intended to justify the company’s failure to meet its obligations on a section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road, before the contract was terminated. He questioned the deliberate spread of falsehoods, blackmail, and conspiracies aimed at undermining the government’s infrastructure policies.
The minister called for a public apology from Daily Trust newspaper, to be published in at least five national dailies, for publishing the false information. He urged the public and media to support efforts to combat national sabotage by certain contractors and to uphold integrity in the execution of government projects.
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