The Federal Government has urged Julius Berger (Nig) Plc to accept the approved N740.7 billion for completing the remaining section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, made this call during a meeting with Julius Berger’s representative, Engr. Banjamin Bott, in Abuja on Thursday. Umahi stressed that the government has already paid N391 billion and the new price means an additional N391 billion to complete the project.
“The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the re-scoping and downward review of the contract to N740.7 billion on September 23, 2024,” Umahi said. “We have written to the President to approve terminating the contract if Julius Berger does not accept this price.”
The minister noted that Julius Berger initially requested a project review to N1.35 trillion, but the government considers N740.7 billion the best price given the economic reality. The project was initially contracted for N165 billion but was revised to N654 billion during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Umahi emphasized the need for swift completion, urging Julius Berger to fast-track the rehabilitation of the 82-km Section II of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway. He set a 14-month deadline for project completion and requested Julius Berger to sign the contract addendum by Monday.
“We are ready to pay even fresh mobilization to underscore the President’s interest in this project,” Umahi said. “We appeal to you to sign the addendum by Monday.”