In a recent press conference, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, confirmed that the contract for the remaining sector of Section 2 of the Abuja-Kaduna highway has been awarded to Infiouest International Limited, refuting claims that the contract was awarded to Infoquest Nigeria Limited.
Sen. Umahi explained that the two companies have names that are phonetically similar, which may have led to the confusion. He noted that “Infiouest” is a French term, where the letter “O” is pronounced like “Q.” This distinction is crucial, as the minister emphasized the importance of correctly identifying the contracted entity responsible for the highway project.
Following the erroneous report, Infoquest Nigeria Limited hastily opened an account on the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) portal. However, official records indicate that the company’s business status remains “Not commenced,” raising questions about its operational legitimacy. Sources familiar with FIRS procedures revealed that Infoquest had not previously paid taxes and only registered as a tax-paying entity shortly after the report was published.
A search conducted on the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) revealed that Infiouest International Limited was incorporated on October 24, 2001. While the company has only filed annual tax returns for 2022 and 2023, Sen. Umahi insisted that Infiouest is “corporately active” and fully compliant with all legal requirements set forth by the Companies and Allied Matters Act.
In his statement, Sen. Umahi criticized the previous report as “mischievous,” asserting that it was part of a deliberate attempt to malign the Ministry and undermine the government’s efforts in revitalizing road infrastructure in Nigeria. He demanded a public apology to be issued in at least five national newspapers for what he described as the unjust dissemination of false information.
The minister also addressed concerns regarding ongoing corruption and emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of public contracts. He reassured the public about Infiouest’s capability to successfully complete the Abuja-Kaduna highway, citing the company’s past projects and collaborations, including leasing equipment to Julius Berger Construction Company.
Sen. Umahi urged the public and the media to join the fight against misinformation and sabotage within the construction sector. He reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to ensuring that taxpayers receive value for their money and expressed confidence in the integrity of the current administration’s infrastructure initiatives. As discussions continue around the awarding of contracts and corporate governance in Nigeria, the emphasis remains on fostering transparency and accountability in public projects.
