CSO demands independent probe into 40% delivery of ₦14bn Summit Junction-Onitsha ro
From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
A Civil Society Organization (CSO) under the auspices of ‘The Common Good Letter’ has formally petitioned Nigeria’s top anti-corruption and procurement agencies for an independent probe into the reported payment of approximately ₦14 billion to Hartland Nigeria Limited for an 11-kilometer road project from Summit Junction, Asaba, to the Onitsha Head Bridge.
In a joint petition dated September 4, 2026, and signed by its publisher, Rev. David Ugolor and made available to the media in Kaduna today (Saturday), the group urged the EFCC, ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau, Bureau of Public Procurement, and the Attorney-General of the Federation to transform the Minister of Works’ public allegations into “a documented, impartial, and legally sustainable investigation—not a media trial or presumption of guilt.”
The petition followed public statements reportedly made by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during an inspection in August 2026.
According to reports cited in the petition, the Minister stated that Hartland Nigeria Limited received about ₦14 billion to complete the road, including channelization and hydraulic works, but was assessed as having delivered only about 40% of the works.
Rev. Ugolor said the Minister’s statements raise significant public-interest questions that necessitate professional scrutiny of contracts, procurement records, payment documents, engineering measurements, and bank guarantees.
The petition asked the EFCC to trace and reconcile all payments related to the contract, obtain bank records, examine potential false certifications, diversion, fraud, or money laundering, and recover any unearned amounts.
It urged the ICPC to investigate the conduct of public officers involved in procurement, supervision, certification, and payment, and to review the Ministry of Works’ contract certification and payment controls.
The Code of Conduct Bureau was asked to scrutinize any evidence. At the same time, it was tasked with reviewing conflicts of interest and verifying asset declarations.
In contrast, the Bureau of Public Procurement was tasked with reviewing procurement compliance, including whether Certificates of No Objection were obtained.
The Attorney-General was requested to coordinate efforts, advise on the enforcement of guarantees and the recovery of public funds, and initiate legal proceedings if sufficient admissible evidence exists.
The petition listed 76 specific requests, including establishing the contract’s identity, reference number, procurement method, original sum, all variations, and whether the ₦14 billion covered mobilization, interim certificates, or other obligations.
It also called for identifying the officials responsible for measuring work, recommending certificates, approving payments, and supervising the project.
The group further requested an independent engineering and quantity surveying assessment to verify the percentage, quality, and monetary value of work completed, and to reconcile these findings with the Minister’s assessment of 40%.
Regarding guarantees, the petition sought details of advance-payment guarantees, performance bonds, and insurance policies, whether they were valid at the time of alleged non-performance, and any recoverable amounts.
Rev. Ugolor emphasized that the petition does not accuse Hartland Nigeria Limited, its directors, any public official, bank, or consultant of committing a crime.
“This petition does not allege that Hartland Nigeria Limited, its directors, any public officer, bank, consultant, or other person has committed an offense. It asks the competent authorities to establish the facts and take lawful action where the evidence indicates wrongdoing,” he stated.
The group called for the immediate preservation of evidence, including the original contract, payment certificates, bank statements, guarantees, site records, and correspondence.
It also requested written acknowledgment within seven working days and public confirmation within 30 days that the allegations are being officially reviewed.
Among the remedies sought are the recovery of any unearned or improperly paid funds; enforcement of valid guarantees; prosecution, if evidence supports it; disciplinary actions against negligent officers; debarment of contractors where due process shows violations; and completion of the road through a transparent process.
“The suffering caused by an incomplete or poorly maintained strategic road is not merely a technical issue. It impacts lives, transportation, commerce, household income, and public confidence in government,” Rev. Ugolor stated.
“The Minister’s public statement provides a basis for investigation, but it is not proof of criminal intent. The proper approach is to follow the contract, track the money, scrutinize the certificates, establish accountability, and apply the law fairly to both private and public actors,” he added.
