House of reps queries works ministry over N1.4bn payment for abandoned project
The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has instructed Dr Yakubu Adam, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, to provide detailed documentation on the alleged payment of N1.46 billion to contractors for the uncompleted Gidanwaya-Gwauran Dutse-Wawan Rafi-Saminaka-Kano Road project.
Committee Chairman, Rep. Bamidele Salam, issued the directive after Dr. Adam and other ministry officials appeared before the Committee on Tuesday, following two prior invitations concerning the road contract.
Rep. Salam said, “Information from the Debt Management Office indicates that some roads were funded through federal loans, including the Gidanwaya-Gwauran Dutse-Wawan Rafi-Saminaka-Kano Road in Kaduna State, awarded by the ministry on October 5, 2022, for N1.461 billion to Messrs Jam Jam Dynamic Platform Limited.
“The project, intended to be completed within 12 months, is alleged to have received full payment without any visible progress.”
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Salam underscored the committee’s commitment to due process and requested comprehensive updates on the project’s status.
In response, the permanent secretary clarified that the allocated funds covered only a portion of the 133 km stretch, with the road being constructed in phases due to budget constraints.
Following his statement, the committee directed him and relevant officials to reappear next Monday with all necessary documentation.
