Senate threatens sanction as Julius Berger, CCECC snub Committee invitation

The Senate Committee on Works announced on Wednesday that it would invoke sanctions against the Managing Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) if they fail to appear before the Committee within one week.

This decision followed a motion moved by Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe after the two construction companies failed to honor invitations to an investigative hearing by the committee.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio further emphasized the need for the Minister of Works and Housing to attend the committee’s next scheduled meeting.

The hearing, held at the National Assembly complex, focused on the non-completion of the Odukpani-Itu Federal Highway in Cross River State and the utilization of funds allocated for the project across several budget cycles. Three construction companies—Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, CCECC, and Somatech—were invited to provide updates and clarifications. However, only Somatech attended the hearing.

Irked by the absence of Julius Berger and CCECC, Senator Jarigbe argued that their failure to appear was a deliberate act of disregard for the Senate’s authority.

Invoking provisions of the Senate Standing Orders, the lawmaker, representing Cross River North, called for the issuance of a formal summons to the Managing Directors of the two companies, requiring them to appear within seven days.

Senator Jarigbe warned that failure to comply would result in the issuance of a warrant of arrest.

Supporting the motion, Committee Chairman Senator Barry Mpigi reiterated:
“The MDs of Julius Berger and CCECC have been given one week to appear before this Committee. We, so summon!”

The Senate’s decision underscores its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in the execution of critical infrastructure projects across the country.