The Nigerian Senate has ordered the arrest of Julius Berger MD, Dr. Peer Lubasch, over abandoned projects and a controversial rise in contract costs. The Senate's decision follows the company’s failure to explain its involvement in the Odukpani-Itu Highway project despite receiving over N18 billion in public funds.
The Nigerian Senate has ordered the arrest of Dr. Peer Lubasch, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, for failing to attend hearings regarding abandoned projects and rising contract costs. The Senate's decision followed a motion raised by Minority Whip Osita Ngwu and co-sponsored by Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong and Mpigi Barinada.
The motion highlighted Julius Berger's refusal to honor invitations to explain its role in the Odukpani-Itu Highway project, despite receiving over N18 billion in public funds. Ngwu also pointed to discrepancies in contractor performance and an alarming increase in project costs, from N54 billion to N195 billion, without proper justification.
The Senate invoked its constitutional powers to issue a warrant for Lubasch’s arrest, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding public fund usage. The motion also referenced the termination of Julius Berger’s contract on the Odukpani-Itu Highway project, citing demobilization and refusal to accept revised contract terms.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, confirmed that a specific date for Lubasch’s appearance before the Committee on Works will be outlined in the arrest warrant. The Senate’s actions underscore its commitment to holding contractors accountable for delays, project abandonment, and misuse of public funds.
