Federal government has offered additional N20.5 billion to Julius Berger to complete the Bodo-Bonny road or face termination.
The government set December 2024 as the timeline to complete the project. The minister of works, Engr. David Umahi, made the offer yesterday in Abuja during a meeting with contractors and peace committee on the project from Bonny Kingdom. The project was awarded to Julius Berger at the cost of N120.6 billion to be funded 50 percent by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG).
Berger had demanded additional N28.8 billion to construct the remaining section of the 39 km road which is 84 percent completed.
Berger, among other conditions, demanded additional N28.8 billion to complete the work following foreign exchange rates. The federal government had however, offered N13 billion earlier leaving a difference of N15 billion but after heated arguments, the minister offered N20 billion for the company to accept or quit the site.
He, however, promised to ensure the completion of the work by December 2024. The 39 km long road, has cross culverts and two mini bridges with a span of 23 m each as well as two creek bridges, Afa Creek Bridge of about 530 m length and Nanabie Creek Bridge of about 640 m length, this is in addition to the construction of a major river bridge of about 750 m length over the Opobo Channel.
Therefore, following Julius Bergers fresh requests, Umahi declined and warned that the ministry would not allow contractors to dictate for Nigeria.
He said the ministry under his watch will not sign contract variations based on foreign exchange rates.
He also said the ministry has stopped payment of VOPs unless directed by the President.
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