The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has issued a five-day ultimatum to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works to appear before it and address concerns regarding the alleged abandonment of a federal road construction project in Kaduna State, valued at ₦1,461,376,553.75.
PAC Chairman, Rep. Bamidele Salam, announced the directive after the Permanent Secretary failed to respond to two prior invitations.
The committee passed this resolution while reviewing issues relating to non-compliance with financial regulations, the Procurement Act, and assessing the value for money spent on the project.
The 115-kilometre road construction contract, awarded to Jam-Jam Dynamic Platform Ltd on 5 October 2022, was scheduled for completion within 12 months.
The committee criticised the Permanent Secretary’s disregard for its invitations, stating that such dismissive behaviour would not be tolerated.
The Permanent Secretary failed to attend or respond to invitations sent on 5 August and 11 October 2024.
Rep. Salam emphasised the need for an explanation as to why full payment was made to Jam-Jam Dynamic Platform Ltd despite no evidence of project progress.
In response, Rep. Dauda Nyampa proposed a motion, amended and seconded by Rep. Ari Mohammed, which received unanimous support from committee members.
“The Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives has given the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works a five-day deadline to provide reasons why a warrant of arrest should not be issued against him for failing to respond in writing or appear before this constitutional committee. He must explain why ₦1.4 billion was paid to Jam-Jam Dynamic Platform Ltd for the construction of the Gidanwanya-Guaran, Dutse-Waman, and Ravi-Saminaka-Kano Road, awarded on 5 October 2022, with no visible work on the project,” said Rep. Salam.
The committee has warned that if the Permanent Secretary does not appear or respond by 29 October 2024, a warrant of arrest will be sought.
PAC stated that the Permanent Secretary has until Tuesday, 29 October, to respond and appear before it.