Prior to the investigative hearing, Julius Berger Nigeria sent an apology to the senate for refusing to appear before its committee on works for explanation on abandoned projects.
The senate committee on works has mandated Julius Berger Plc to accelerate the completion of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene highway and other critical infrastructure projects under its jurisdiction, emphasising urgency, quality, and sustainability in delivery.
This ultimatum was made during an investigative hearing on Tuesday where the committee chairman Sen. Mpigi Barinada (PDP, Rivers south-east) stressed the federal government’s commitment to addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges while bolstering economic reforms.
Describing the significance of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene highway, Mpigi highlighted its role as a crucial link within the east-west road network, facilitating economic activities for millions of Nigerians in the Niger Delta region.
“This project, part of the larger east-west road network, is not just a critical link for the people of the Niger Delta region but a vital artery for Nigeria’s economic vibrancy. It serves farmers, traders, transporters, and millions of everyday Nigerians who depend on it daily for their livelihoods. Delays, inefficiencies, or miscommunications on this project directly harm the people,” Mpigi stated.
He commended Julius Berger’s reputation for delivering quality projects but emphasised the need for transparency and efficiency. He also warned that the senate would use its constitutional powers to ensure accountability from both state and non-state actors.
He said, “I must commend you for your humility and professionalism in addressing this through your letter, which was routed through me to the President of Senate, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator (Dr.) Godswill Akpabio, GCON.
“The letter has been well received, and it represents a positive first step toward rebuilding the trust and cooperation that are critical to achieving our shared objectives.
“Let me also commend Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for its longstanding reputation for delivering quality infrastructure projects across the nation. However, with great reputation comes great responsibility.”
Earlier Julius Berger’s Managing Director, Dr. Peer Lubasch, acknowledged past delays and apologised for his absence at an earlier meeting, attributing it to a leadership transition.
In his remarks, he reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria’s infrastructure development despite macroeconomic challenges such as inflation, currency devaluation, and rising costs.
Lubasch noted that the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene road project, initiated in 2016, had been significantly affected by underfunding and delayed payments, resulting in soaring costs for materials like bitumen and cement. Despite these challenges, he assured the senate of the company’s unwavering dedication to completing the project while adhering to global best practices and ISO-certified quality standards.
Lubasch also requested senate intervention to address systemic challenges affecting infrastructure projects nationwide and called for strengthened collaboration with stakeholders to ensure timely and efficient project delivery.
Recall that the senate had on the 12th of December, 2024 issued a warrant of arrest against the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for persistently refusing to appear before its committee on works.
In a follow-up, Mpigi assured that the committee would collaborate with the ministry of works to address the challenges of delayed payments and cost variations highlighted by Lubasch. He noted that resolving these issues is crucial to sustaining the company’s operational efficiency and ensuring the timely delivery of critical infrastructure projects.
STAR Check: Nigerians, particularly, constituents of Rivers South East district, can keep tabs on the legislative performance of Sen. Barinada throughout the 10th senate here.
