CISLAC Raises Alarm Over Abuja-Kaduna Highway Contract to Infoquest Nigeria Limited

Published January 22, 2025

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has strongly criticized the re-award of the N252.89 billion Abuja-Kaduna highway project contract to Infoquest Nigeria Limited, a company flagged as inactive by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC called for a comprehensive investigation into the procurement process, emphasizing the importance of transparency and adherence to legal frameworks.

Infoquest Nigeria Limited is listed as inactive in the CAC database.

The company has not filed annual returns since its registration in 1997.

It has a share capital of N100,000 and an inactive operational address in Lagos.

The Public Procurement Act of 2007 mandates that contracts be awarded competitively and transparently.

Sections 525 and 583 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 disqualify inactive companies from engaging in contracts or business activities.

The project was initially handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc but was revoked due to pricing disagreements and delays.

CISLAC questioned the due diligence process and evaluation criteria that led to Infoquest Nigeria Limited’s selection.

The organization highlighted concerns over potential political interference or corruption in the selection process.

CISLAC urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to initiate an independent probe into the procurement process and hold those responsible accountable.

The group called on anti-corruption agencies to investigate the irregularities.

CISLAC advocated for reforms in Nigeria’s procurement processes, including stricter oversight and improved transparency measures.

The organization pledged to collaborate with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), other civil society groups, and international partners to enforce global best practices in public procurement.

The decision has sparked outrage on social media, with Nigerians criticizing the government’s failure to prioritize competence and due process for a project of such national significance. Citizens emphasized the critical importance of the Abuja-Kaduna highway for economic activities and public safety.

CISLAC warned that awarding the contract to a company with questionable credentials undermines public trust and sets a dangerous precedent. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring public resources are used responsibly for national development.

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