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The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection of ongoing federal road projects in Rivers State on Monday.

Umahi said the approval was given after negotiations with the contractor who insisted on the said sum to enable it to complete the job and urged the company to ensure it adhered to the project specification.

He stated, “And let me say that we have given Julius Berger what they want in terms of the money they are looking for. We negotiated for one year, but Berger refused to shift ground. So, we have to allow you the total amount of money you are looking for and so we have given you the award letter. So, you have to go and sign the addendum.

“The President and the Federal Executive Council approved your request, so the project is now to a fixed contract sum of N280bn. This is the request of Berger and Mr President has done the request of Berger. So, Berger has to at least mobilise in at least three locations to get this job completed.”

To this end, the minister said he would return for two more inspections before the end of 2024 to monitor the work being done and to ensure the contractor honours the agreement.

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