Julius Berger Apologises To Senate For Missing Project Inquiry Hearings

Abuja, Nigeria – Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has formally apologised to the Nigerian Senate for repeatedly failing to appear before its Standing Committee on Works to answer questions about alleged project abandonment and cost overruns.

The apology comes after the Senate issued a warrant to arrest the company’s Managing Director, Dr. Peer Lubasch, last month.

Senator Osita Ngwu, the Minority Whip, moved the Senate to take action after Julius Berger failed to attend several invitations.

Senator Ngwu specifically cited the company’s failure to provide information about the Odukpani-Itu Highway project, which reportedly received over N18 billion in public funds.

He also expressed concern about a significant increase in the project’s contract cost, from N54 billion to N195 billion.

In a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Committee on Works Chairman Senator Barinada Mpigi, Julius Berger blamed the absence on miscommunication during a leadership transition.

The letter, signed by Managing Director Dr. Peer Lubasch and Director of Administration Dr. Abdulaziz Isa Kaita, stated that the new Managing Director was recently appointed and needed time to become acquainted with ongoing projects.

The company apologised for the oversight and praised the Senate President’s leadership and the Committee Chairman’s efforts to improve Nigerians’ welfare.

Julius Berger assured the Senate of its commitment to future collaboration and attendance at the next investigative hearing.

The letter emphasised the company’s commitment to collaborating with the National Assembly and the federal government to complete projects, address infrastructure issues, and create jobs.

While the apology appears to have removed the immediate threat of arrest, the Senate’s investigation into Julius Berger’s handling of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road project, as well as other potentially affected projects, is expected to proceed.

The upcoming hearing will be critical in determining the scope of any wrongdoing and who is ultimately responsible for the alleged cost overruns and project delays.