Reps Committee gives Perm Sec, Fed Ministry of Works ultimatum over N1.4bn road contract

● Threatens to issue a warrant of arrest

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Thursday gave the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, a five-day ultimatum to appear before it, and answer questions regarding the alleged abandonment of a federal road construction project in Kaduna State, valued at N1,461,376,553.75.

The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam gave the directive after the Permanent Secretary failed to respond to two previous invitations.

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The committee made the resolution while entertaining issues bordering on non-compliance with financial regulations, the procurement act, and assessing the value for money concerning the project.

The road construction contract, which spans 115 kilometres and was awarded to Jam-Jam Dynamic Platform Ltd on October 5, 2022, was expected to be completed within 12 months.

The committee frowned at the attitude of the Permanent Secretary whom it said has formed the habit of treating the invitation of the committee with levity and stated that, this time, it will never be Business as usual.

The Permanent Secretary did not appear or respond to invitations sent on August 5th and October 11th, 2024, respectively.

Rep. Salam emphasized that the committee requires an explanation for the full payment made to Jam-Jam Dynamic Platform Ltd. despite no evidence of project execution.

Consequently, a motion to the effect was moved by Rep. Dauda Nyampa, amended and seconded by Rep. Ari Mohammed was unanimously supported by the members.

The committee made it clear that if the Permanent Secretary does not appear or respond by Tuesday, next week, a warrant of arrest would be issued for his failure to address the allegations surrounding the substantial payment made for the abandoned road project.