Federal Ministry of Works has directed Julius Berger to vacate the site of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway rehabilitation project. This decision follows a 14-day termination notice issued on Monday, effectively cutting off any potential for further negotiations.

The ministry cited Julius Berger’s inability to adhere to revised project costs, scope, and terms, alongside the contractor‘s refusal to remobilize at the site. Ongoing discussions between the company and the ministry had been taking place for several months, yet no significant progress emerged.

Mohammed Ahmed, the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, stated that despite numerous meetings over the past 13 months, the situation remained stagnant. This move comes in the wake of a warning from Minister of Works David Umahi, who had previously threatened to revoke the contract awarded to Julius Berger in 2018 during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

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Although advancements have been made on the Kaduna-Zaria and Zaria-Kano sections, the Abuja-Kaduna stretch remains only 27% complete after six years. Minister Umahi accused Julius Berger of intentionally delaying the project to undermine the reputation of the current administration.

The termination notice highlighted that the decision was made due to Julius Berger’s non-compliance and its failure to resume work after being directed to do so. Originally awarded at N155.75 billion, the contract has experienced multiple adjustments and cost variations, including a downward revision of its value from N797.26 billion to N740.79 billion in September 2024.

With this action, Minister Umahi has now revoked a total of 11 contracts in just 16 months, signaling a firm stance on project accountability and timely completion.