The Nigerian Minister of Works, David Umahi, has vehemently dismissed recent reports claiming that a contract for the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road project was awarded to a company called Infoquest Nigeria Limited, which he described as both misleading and damaging to the Ministry’s reputation.
Addressing a press conference on January 21, 2025, in Abuja, Umahi clarified that the report, originally published by Daily Trust, contained numerous inaccuracies that have sparked confusion regarding the ongoing road dualisation project. The Minister insisted that the Ministry of Works had never entered into any business dealings with the company in question, refuting claims that Infoquest Nigeria Limited had received a “No Objection” approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) for the sum of N252.89 billion.
“The claim that Infoquest Nigeria Limited was awarded any contract for the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road is completely false,” Umahi asserted. “This misleading report is not only damaging but also jeopardizes the progress of a project that is essential to Nigeria’s infrastructure development.”
The source of confusion, Umahi explained, stemmed from a mix-up in the name of the actual contractor involved in the road project. The company responsible for the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road contract, Umahi stressed, is Infiouest International Limited. According to the Minister, Infiouest is fully compliant with all the legal frameworks set out by Nigeria’s Companies and Allied Matters Act.
“The company in question is Infiouest International Limited, not Infoquest Nigeria Limited,” Umahi said. “Infiouest International Limited has been fully vetted and meets all regulatory standards required for such a large-scale project.”
The Minister expressed disappointment with the Daily Trust for publishing what he called a “completely baseless report.” He called on the media outlet to issue a public apology, not just to the Ministry but also to the Nigerian people who rely on accurate information about government projects. Umahi demanded that this apology be published in at least five national dailies as part of making amends for the false information disseminated.
“I urge the management of Daily Trust to take responsibility for this grave error and issue an apology in the form of a public notice across multiple platforms,” Umahi added.
The Minister’s remarks came amid heightened public interest in the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road dualisation project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at improving connectivity and easing transportation between major northern cities. The project is seen as crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth, particularly as it links key states and facilitates the movement of goods and people across the region.
Another topic addressed by Umahi was the recent termination of the contract awarded to Julius Berger Plc for the construction of a section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road. According to Umahi, the Ministry’s decision to end the contract was driven by concerns over quality and the need to ensure that taxpayers’ money was being spent responsibly.
“The contract with Julius Berger was terminated due to concerns about the quality of work and the pricing issues,” Umahi explained. “The Ministry has an obligation to ensure that every project is executed according to the highest standards, which includes value for money, quality assurance, and transparency.”
Umahi emphasized that the termination was part of the Ministry’s broader commitment to ensuring that public funds were used efficiently and effectively. The decision to part ways with the construction giant, he added, was not taken lightly but was necessary to safeguard national interests.
“Corruption always fights back,” Umahi stated. “But we are determined to ensure that only the best contractors are allowed to carry out public works. The fight against corruption is a battle we must all engage in together.”
Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Works, also spoke out during the press conference, condemning the false reports and calling them an intentional effort to undermine public confidence in the Ministry’s operations. Goronyo argued that such rumors were part of a broader attempt to distract from the Ministry’s work and progress on national infrastructure projects.
“The aim is clear: to destabilize and mislead the public by manipulating the media,” Goronyo remarked. “We urge Nigerians to remain focused on the facts and not to be swayed by baseless rumors.”
Further reinforcing the importance of accuracy in journalism, Olufunso Adebiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, issued a call to the press to be more responsible in their reporting. She highlighted the need for media outlets to prioritize truth and integrity in their coverage, especially regarding matters that affect national development.
“Journalism must serve the public interest, and the media must ensure that they provide factual and verifiable information,” Adebiyi stated. “We cannot afford to let negative propaganda derail the progress of essential projects that will benefit millions of Nigerians.”
The Minister’s strong stance against misinformation comes at a time when the government has been focusing heavily on addressing the country’s infrastructure deficits, especially roads, which are critical to economic activities in all regions. The Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road project is one of several high-profile road projects the Ministry is undertaking to improve Nigeria’s transportation network and support the nation’s growing economy.
