Hussaini Kafi in Kano
The federal government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Julius Berger Plc to accept the N740.7 billion contract for the rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road or risk having the contract revoked.
The ultimatum was issued by the Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David, during a meeting with the newly appointed Managing Director of Julius Berger Plc, Dr. Pier Lubasch, in Abuja.
The minister expressed disappointment with Julius Berger’s stance on the contract pricing, particularly in light of the current economic challenges facing Nigeria.
According to a statement released by the minister’s media aide, Orji Uchenna Orji, Umahi emphasized that Julius Berger has been a significant beneficiary of government contracts but is now proposing unrealistic prices.
He insisted that the company must decide within seven days whether to accept the reviewed contract amount, warning that any further delays or demands for price increases would not be tolerated.
“This offer is not subject to any condition,” Umahi said. “After 14 months of negotiations, there must be an end. If Julius Berger is unwilling to proceed, we will find another contractor to execute the job within a manageable budget.”
Dr. Lubasch assured the minister that Julius Berger would address the concerns as quickly as possible and expressed hope for a positive outcome.
However, the ultimatum from the federal government has raised questions about the future of the project and the potential impact on the transportation sector in northern Nigeria.
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