House of Representatives Committee Launches Probe into N1.46 Billion Kaduna Road Project Allegations
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On Tuesday, the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee initiated an investigation into the allegedly abandoned Gidanwaya-Guaran Dutse-Waman Rafi-Saminaka-Kano road project in Kaduna State, valued at N1.46 billion.
During an investigative hearing in Abuja,The House of Representatives Committee members expressed their dissatisfaction while questioning Dr. Yakubu Adam, the Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Works. The session focused on the status of critical national infrastructure, particularly roads constructed in the past five years.
The House of Representatives Committee Chairman, Rep. Bamidele Salam (PDP-Osun) highlighted that the funding for the project came from a loan taken by the Federal Government. He pointed out that, according to the Debt Management Office, multiple roads were financed through such loans. Specifically, he noted that the Gidanwaya-Guaran Dutse-Waman Rafi-Saminaka-Kano road was awarded by the Federal Ministry of Works on October 5, 2022, with a full payment of N1.461 billion made to the contractor, Messrs Jam Jam Dynamic Platform Limited.
Salam raised concerns that, despite the project being scheduled for completion within 12 months, there are allegations that construction has not yet begun, despite the full payment made to the contractor.
Rep. Bamidele Salam emphasized the committee’s commitment to fairness, insisting that the Permanent Secretary appear in person for questioning after multiple invitations were ignored.
In his defense, the Permanent Secretary explained that the N1.46 billion allocated was not for the entire 133km stretch of the Gidanwaya-Guaran Dutse-Waman Rafi-Saminaka-Kano road, but only for a specific portion. He noted that the project was planned to be executed in phases due to budget constraints.
The Permanent Secretary expressed surprise that no progress had been made since the contract was awarded, based on the information available to the committee. He also apologized for not attending previous hearings, claiming he had not received the invitations.
The House of Representatives committee concluded that the Permanent Secretary must return for further questioning on Monday, November 4, and is required to submit all relevant documents related to the project by Friday, November 1. Chairman Salam stated that timely submission of these documents is essential for a thorough investigation.
“We requested specific documents to gain better insight, allowing the committee to make an informed decision regarding the validity of claims that the road has been completed despite the full payment made to the contractor,” he stated.
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