The Federal Ministry of Works has strongly refuted a report published in the Daily Trust newspaper on January 21, 2025, which alleged that a contract for the rehabilitation of a section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road was awarded to Infoquest Nigeria Ltd.
At a press briefing held in Abuja, on Tuesday, the Minister of Works, Senator Nweze David Umahi, describes the report as “false, misleading, and damaging,” demanding a public apology from the newspaper for what he termed an “unjustifiable falsehood.”
Accompanied by the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Barr. Mohammed Bello Goronyo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Folunso O. Adebiyi, and other high-ranking officials, Umahi emphasizes that the Ministry does not have any business ties with Infoquest Nigeria Ltd.
He clarifies that the company associated with the project is Infiouest International Limited, which he affirmed is “fully compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements under the Companies and Allied Matters Act.”
Umahi describes the publication as “deceptive, thoughtlessly misleading, and harmful.” He claimed it is a deliberate scheme by a group to tarnish the Ministry’s reputation, hinder the Renewed Hope administration’s initiatives for advancing road infrastructure, and discredit a reputable company known for its expertise in road construction.
The Minister urges Daily Trust to issue a full apology in no less than five national newspapers for the mistake.
Senator Umahi also condemns recent statements from Julius Berger Plc, claiming they distorted the reasons behind their decision to step away from a segment of the same road. He remarked, “There is a concerted attack involving misinformation, blackmail, and collusion among opponents against the government’s commitment to value for money, quality assurance, and best practices in project implementation.”
He called on the public and the media to reject the attempts by contractors to undermine national development initiatives.
The Minister of State for Works, Goronyo, praises the Ministry for its prompt action regarding the publication, emphasizing that it reflects the Ministry’s commitment to transparency. He remarks, “This publication was obviously aimed at distracting the Ministry and eroding its credibility in the eyes of Nigerians.”
He also calls on media professionals to verify their information with appropriate sources before going to press.
In his final comments, the Permanent Secretary, Adebiyi, highlighted the significance of ethical journalism. He stated, “The media should focus on truth and refrain from being manipulated by those opposed to our nation’s progress.”
