Nigeria: Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Project – Setting the Record Straight and Reinforcing Commitment to Dialogue

The AKR contract termination was unilateral, and Julius Berger continues to seek an equitable resolution that upholds the principles of fairness and contractual compliance.

Against the backdrop of recent statements attributed to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during his visit to the ongoing Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano (AKR) dual carriage highway project site, and the resultant media reports, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the contractor handling the project, has clarified some key facts regarding the project and the company’s performance with a view to setting the record straight.

Mr Umahi, accompanied by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, as well as the Chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on works and others, recently carried out an inspection visit of the project.

Some media reports emanating from the visit quoted Mr Umahi to have announced revocation of the contract due to certain differences with the contractor that have not been reconciled. Responding to the media reports, Julius Berger affirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the Federal Ministry of Works to resolve outstanding issues amicably and in the spirit of collaboration.

In a statement signed by Emieseifa James Agama, Head, Corporate Communication, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the company clarified that contrary to what the Minister was reported to have said, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc was not invited to participate in the re-tender process for the AKR highway project and, therefore, could not have declined such an invitation.

The statement explained that Julius Berger Plc offered to complete the AKR project within 14 months, “leveraging its unrivalled operational infrastructure, as demonstrated across multiple projects.”

The construction company also expressed its recognition and respect for “the Honourable Minister’s commitment to Nigeria’s infrastructure,” adding that it is imperative to clarify key facts regarding the AKR project and the company’s performance. Here is the full text of Julius Berger Plc’s statement for the record:

Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano (AKR) Dual Carriageway Project:

Setting the Record Straight and Reinforcing Commitment to Dialogue

Recent statements attributed to the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, CON, during his visit to the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano (AKR) Highway project site, and a wave of media reports ongoing have raised concerns. While we recognise and respect the Honourable Minister’s commitment to Nigeria’s infrastructure, it is imperative to clarify key facts regarding the AKR project and Julius Berger’s performance.

Project Background and Economic Realities

Julius Berger strives to deliver transformative infrastructure solutions whilst adhering to agreed budgets, timelines and best-in-class sustainability standards. The company has a long-standing track record attesting to the integrity of this commitment.

The AKR Highway project was costed in 2017, before being flagged off in 2018, at which time inflation was approximately 16.5%. Since then, Nigeria has faced significant socio-economic challenges, including but not limited to inflation now exceeding 30% and exchange rate depreciation from ₦320/$ to over ₦1,600/$, which have driven sharp increases in energy and material costs. These factors necessitated adjustments in line with our contract.

Over the course of the project Julius Berger introduced innovative solutions to bring unmatched progress considering scope and requirements, including the pioneering of an asphalt recycling methodology, according to international best practice, enabling a significant reduction of construction time and costs.

AKR Highway Project Status

The AKR Highway project was 65% completed before the contract’s wrongful termination in December 2024. Progress across its sections was as follows:

Section 1 (Abuja-Kaduna): 30% completed. Work was suspended on 15th October 2024 due to unmet assurances. Furthermore, its status reflects the unprecedented security challenges faced along the route as well as consistent delays in payments by the client.

Section 2 (Kaduna-Zaria): 100% completed.

Section 3 (Zaria-Kano): 90% completed.

It is also crucial to emphasise the following indisputable facts:

Adherence to Contractual Obligations: All costs submitted by Julius Berger, including those addressing outstanding payments and cost adjustments, fully comply with the contractual terms and are supported by detailed documentation shared with the Federal Ministry of Works.

Unilateral Contract Termination: The AKR contract termination was unilateral, and Julius Berger continues to seek an equitable resolution that upholds the principles of fairness and contractual compliance.

Commitment to Dialogue and Facts: Julius Berger remains committed to constructive engagement with the Federal Ministry of Works to resolve outstanding issues amicably and in the spirit of collaboration. Contrary to recent claims:

– Julius Berger offered to complete the project within 14 months, leveraging its unrivalled operational infrastructure, as demonstrated across multiple projects.

– Despite widely publicised commitments by the Federal Ministry of Works, including a promised NGN 20 billion monthly payment, Julius Berger has not received any payments for works executed to date, since November 2023. While we returned to the site in good faith, escalating costs and uncertainty over past-due payments forced us to halt work.

– Contrary to the Honourable Minister’s statement, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc was not invited to participate in the re-tender process for the AKR Highway project and, therefore, could not have declined such an invitation.

We are a Partner for Progress

For over 50 years, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has remained a trusted partner in Nigeria’s development, delivering transformative infrastructure and building works with professionalism, transparency, and adherence to the highest standards of excellence. Over the course of our history, at no time have the Federal Government, or any client for that matter, had reason to terminate any contract with Julius Berger. Collaboration, mutual respect and shared goals have guided the successful delivery of projects, no matter the challenge.

Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters

Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox

Success!

Almost finished…

We need to confirm your email address.

To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you.

Error!

There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

Through pre-financing works, advancing projects amidst adversity, and delivering critical national infrastructure reliably, we have demonstrated unwavering dedication and resilience. We remain confident that, through transparent dialogue, current matters can be resolved to further support the nation’s infrastructure goals.

We assure our clients, partners, shareholders and communities of our resolute commitment to progress and of our enduring values.

We would like to express our deepest appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s goals under the Renewed Hope Agenda. His Excellency’s focus on reform, economic growth, and infrastructure development lays a solid foundation for transformative national progress. We stand ready to support this vision for the benefit of every citizen of Nigeria.

Signed:

For: Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

EMIESEIFA JAMES AGAMA

HEAD, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION

JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC

ADVERTISEMENT