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Abuja-Kaduna Road Contract Controversy Unveiled

In a surprising turn of events, the Minister of Works, Sen David Umahi, has revealed that the contract for the Abuja-Kaduna highway was awarded to Infiouest International Limited, not Infoquest Nigeria Limited as previously reported. This revelation came during a press conference held yesterday in Abuja, where Sen. Umahi emphasized the subtle difference in pronunciation between the two companies, attributing it to a linguistic nuance.

Conflicting Company Information Emerges

Following the Minister’s statement, discrepancies in the business status of both companies surfaced. Infoquest Nigeria Limited, the company initially reported to have secured the contract, hastily opened an account on the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) portal, indicating a rush to comply with tax regulations. On the other hand, a search on the Corporate Affairs Commission’s (CAC) site revealed that Infiouest International Limited had been incorporated since 2001, with conflicting data on its activity status.

Minister Defends Infiouest Amid Allegations

Despite the controversy surrounding the contract award, Minister Umahi stood by Infiouest International Limited, affirming its compliance with legal requirements and regulations. He condemned the Daily Trust report as “mischievous” and aimed at discrediting the Ministry’s efforts in infrastructural development. The Minister called for a public apology and denounced the orchestrated campaign against the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and quality assurance in project execution.

Transparency Amidst Turmoil

Amidst the allegations and counterclaims, one thing remains clear – the need for transparency and accountability in government contracts. The conflicting information surrounding the Abuja-Kaduna road contract sheds light on the complexities of procurement processes and the importance of upholding ethical standards in public projects. As citizens, it is crucial to demand accountability and ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently and effectively for the benefit of society.

As we navigate through the intricacies of contract awards and company dealings, let us remember that transparency is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy. By holding our leaders accountable and advocating for integrity in governance, we can strive towards a more just and equitable society for all.