The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of Representatives has issued a five-day ultimatum to Mr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, demanding his appearance to clarify allegations regarding the abandonment of a federal road project in Kaduna State valued at over ₦1.46 billion.
PAC Chairman, Rep. Bamidele Salam, expressed frustration over the Permanent Secretary's dismissive attitude towards the committee's requests, emphasizing that such behavior will no longer be tolerated.
He stated that the committee is particularly concerned about compliance with financial regulations and the Procurement Act, as well as ensuring value for money for the project in question.
The contract for the 115-kilometre road construction was awarded to Jam-Jam Dynamic Platform Ltd on October 5, 2022, with a stipulated completion period of 12 months.
However, there are growing concerns as no evidence of project execution has been presented, despite full payment being made to the contractor.
Salam highlighted the urgency of the situation, indicating that if Kofarmata fails to appear or respond by October 29, 2024, a warrant for his arrest will be sought.
The committee's motion, proposed by Rep. Dauda Nyampa and supported unanimously by members, underscores the seriousness of the allegations surrounding substantial payments for an allegedly abandoned project.
The PAC has made it clear that Kofarmata must provide an explanation for the full payment made to Jam-Jam Dynamic Platform Ltd without any visible progress on the project.
