JUST IN: N14bn Road Payment: Group Petitions EFCC, ICPC, CCB, BPP, AGF For Probe

 

 

 

Seeks independent investigation into Hartland Nigeria Limited contract, recovery of public funds

 

 

 

By OGB Joseph, Abuja 

 

 

 

A civil society organisation, The Common Good Letter, has petitioned major anti-corruption and public accountability agencies over the reported payment of approximately N14 billion to Hartland Nigeria Limited for the Summit Junction–Asaba–Onitsha Head Bridge road project.

 

 

 

The petition, dated September 4, 2026, was addressed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

 

 

 

The organisation, through its publisher, called for an urgent, independent and coordinated investigation into the award, financing, execution and supervision of the approximately 11-kilometre road project linking Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State, with the Onitsha Head Bridge.

 

 

 

The petition followed public statements reportedly made by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, during an inspection of the road and adjoining bridge infrastructure in August 2026.

 

 

 

According to the petition, the minister reportedly stated that Hartland Nigeria Limited had received approximately N14 billion under an agreement requiring the company to complete the road project, including channelisation and hydraulic structures.

 

 

 

The minister was also reported to have assessed the level of work completed at approximately 40 per cent, while calling for the arrest of the company’s Managing Director, examination of certificates issued in connection with the project and recovery of public funds through relevant banks.

 

 

 

The Common Good Letter, however, stressed that its petition was not an allegation of guilt against Hartland Nigeria Limited, its directors, public officials, banks, consultants or any other party.

 

 

Rather, it said the objective was to subject the minister’s public allegations to a formal, impartial and legally sustainable investigation based on documentary and technical evidence.

 

 

 

“These statements raise substantial public-interest questions that should not be resolved through public declarations alone,” the petition stated.

 

 

 

It urged the authorities to examine relevant contracts, procurement records, payment documents, engineering measurements, bank guarantees and evidence from all affected parties to establish what actually transpired.

 

 

 

The organisation said the investigation should determine, among other issues, the verified contract value, amounts actually paid, percentage and value of work completed, funds recoverable, status of guarantees and any institutional failures that may have contributed to the situation.

 

 

 

It also called for the publication of a suitably redacted investigation outcome containing the verified facts and corrective measures, arguing that such transparency would help protect public resources and strengthen confidence in government procurement processes.

 

 

 

The petition further requested protection for citizens, journalists and whistleblowers who may provide relevant information in good faith.

 

 

 

The Common Good Letter urged the agencies to coordinate their actions and formally acknowledge receipt of the petition, including providing a petition or case reference number.

 

 

 

The organisation said its ultimate objective was to ensure that the controversy surrounding the multi-billion-naira road project was resolved through evidence-based investigation rather than media trial or presumption of guilt.

 

 

 

The petition was officially stamped “RECEIVED” by the Office of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC on September 4, 2026, according to the document.