The Nigerian Senate has issued a warrant of arrest for Peer Lubasch, the Managing Director and CEO of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, following his failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Works. The Senate’s resolution, which mandates Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio to facilitate the arrest, comes after a motion was raised by the Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu West), during plenary.
The motion, co-sponsored by Senators Asuquo Ekpeyong (APC-Cross River South) and Barinada Mpigi (PDP-Rivers South East), highlighted Julius Berger’s repeated refusal to attend Senate hearings to respond to allegations of abandoned projects and significant contract variations. Specifically, the company is accused of inflating project costs from an initial N54 billion to N195 billion, raising concerns over financial mismanagement.
The Senate expressed its frustration with the construction giant’s refusal to engage with the committee, noting the critical need for answers regarding public funds spent on ongoing and unfinished government projects. The motion calls for a thorough investigation into the discrepancies, which have drawn significant public attention.
In response, Senate President Akpabio confirmed that a date for the arrest would be specified in the warrant. The Senate’s decision to escalate the matter to a legal order signals its intent to hold the company accountable for its alleged non-compliance and mismanagement of government contracts.
