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By Sadiq Muhammed
The Federal Government’s decision to re-award the Abuja-Kaduna highway contract to Infoquest Nigeria Limited has ignited outrage and skepticism across the country. Citing a report from Daily Trust newspaper, the move has raised allegations of fraud, incompetence, and possible sabotage against the northern region.
The project, previously managed by Julius Berger Construction Company, was terminated after disputes over cost adjustments and delayed payments. Julius Berger, a globally recognized construction giant, had attributed the need for cost revision to rising inflation and unpaid invoices dating back to November 2023.
In a surprising turn, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced the selection of Infoquest Nigeria Limited to take over the project. According to Umahi, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) issued a “No Objection” certificate for N252.89 billion, endorsing the company for the job.
However, a Daily Trust investigation revealed troubling concerns about Infoquest’s credibility. The company is listed as inactive on the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) database, a status that legally disqualifies it from executing contracts under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020. Additionally, the company has failed to fulfill statutory obligations, including filing annual returns since its establishment in 1997.
Further inquiries uncovered more irregularities. The company’s registered address—39 Falohun Street, Orile, Lagos—was found to be a residential building, with no evidence of any construction-related activity. Local residents confirmed that no such company operates there. Moreover, Infoquest lacks a digital footprint or publicly accessible records of prior projects, casting doubt on its capacity to handle such a critical, multi-billion-naira project.
The Abuja-Kaduna highway is a lifeline for northern Nigeria, with its prolonged delays having dire implications for the region’s security and economy. For many in the north, this decision appears to be a calculated attempt to undermine the region.
“This feels like sabotage,” a concerned resident remarked. “How can the government entrust such an important project to a company that doesn’t exist in practice? This is either gross incompetence or a deliberate plot against the north.”
Despite widespread public outcry, the BPP has defended its decision. Its Director-General, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, insisted that the procurement process followed due diligence and claimed that Infoquest has a history of executing multi-billion-naira contracts. He denied allegations of political interference, emphasizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to transparency by granting the BPP full autonomy.
Confusion deepened as the Ministry of Works issued conflicting statements, with its spokesperson denying that the contract was officially awarded. This lack of clarity has only fueled public distrust.
There are now widespread calls for an independent investigation into the matter. Many critics argue that the government must prioritize transparency, competence, and accountability, especially for projects of such national importance.
For now, the Abuja-Kaduna highway’s future remains uncertain, along with the faith of millions of Nigerians who rely on the government to act in their best interest.
Muhammed can be reached at [email protected], 08056859039
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