Abandoned Projects: Julius Berger Apologises To Senate For Shunning Summons

Construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has issued an apology to the Nigerian Senate for repeatedly failing to honor invitations to provide explanations regarding the abandonment of projects across the country.

The apology comes after the Senate, in December 2024, issued a motion sponsored by the Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu, demanding an explanation from the company about its role in the abandonment of the Odukpani-Itu Highway project and the significant rise in project costs. The motion, adopted during a plenary session, led to the issuance of a warrant for the arrest of Julius Berger’s Managing Director, Dr. Peer Lubasch, who had consistently failed to appear before the Senate’s Standing Committee on Works.

Senator Ngwu had highlighted that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc had not responded to multiple invitations to explain the escalating cost of the Odukpani-Itu Highway project, which saw the budget rise from N54bn to N195bn despite the company receiving over N18bn in public funds for the project.

However, in a letter dated January 10, 2025, addressed to Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, the construction company apologized for its failure to attend previous hearings. The letter, signed by both Dr. Peer Lubasch and Dr. Abdulaziz Isa Kaita, explained that the company’s failure to appear at the hearings was due to a miscommunication during a leadership transition, with the new Managing Director, Dr. Peer Lubasch, still being briefed on the company’s ongoing projects.

In its apology, Julius Berger expressed its respect for the Nigerian Senate and assured that it would attend the next scheduled investigative hearing. The company also acknowledged the role of the Senate Committee on Works in advancing the welfare of Nigerians and assured its commitment to improving operational efficiency and responsiveness to legislative directives.

The letter, titled “Letter of Apology Re: Invitation to Investigative Hearing,” read in part: “Your Excellency, the President of the Senate, on behalf of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc (JBN), we extend our respect and commend the Senate President’s leadership and the Chairman’s contributions to advancing the welfare of Nigerians. We acknowledge receipt of your instructions regarding the investigative hearing on the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road and sincerely apologize for missing the previous meeting due to miscommunication during our leadership transition. Our new Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Peer Lubasch, had just assumed office and was being briefed on ongoing projects.”

It continued, “We assure you of our utmost respect for the National Assembly and our commitment to collaborative governance. Dr. Lubasch brings renewed focus to operational efficiency and responsiveness to legislative directives.”

The letter concluded, “JBN remains committed to partnering with the National Assembly and Federal Government to deliver projects that benefit Nigerians, address infrastructural challenges, and create jobs. We deeply regret the earlier oversight and are grateful for the Chairman’s understanding and exemplary leadership. We assure you of our attendance at the next committee meeting and look forward to continued collaboration. Thank you for your consideration.”

Julius Berger’s apology and its assurance of future cooperation with the Senate comes as the company faces heightened scrutiny over its handling of public infrastructure projects.