The proposed cost of N279bn for the Second Niger Bridge Bypass by Julius Berger Plc is excessively high, the Federal Government has declared, rejecting the proposal.
It declared this through the Minister of Works, David Umahi, as contained in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Works on Thursday.
Umahi expressed his disappointment with Julius Berger’s pricing, saying, “One of the bypasses, which is 17.27 kilometres by two on asphalt, was awarded to Julius Berger. We changed the pavement elements to concrete, and the cost we calculated was N133bn. Berger presented a figure almost twice our estimate, at N279bn.”
He further stated, “We disagreed with this cost during the negotiation in September 2023. We’ve decided to refer the project back to the Bureau of Public Procurement and invite more contractors to bid because this involves public funds.”
The ministry reviewed Julius Berger Plc’s performance on all ongoing projects awarded to the company. At the review, Umahi raised concerns over the unacceptable condition of some projects, including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway phase 2.
