By: Abba Onyekachukwu, Abuja.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, inspected some key projects earmarked for commissioning ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-anniversary commemoration.
In a press statement from Anthony Ogunleye, the Director of the Press Office of the Minister, the projects inspected include the renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC) by Julius Berger Plc and the construction of the access road from Ring Road 1 (Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway) by N16 to Katampe District and the bridge linking Maitama and Katampe districts by China Geoengineering Corporation (CGC).
The Minister expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work on both projects. However, he raised concerns regarding the subcontracting of the furnishing of the main Conference hall to a separate entity, deeming this arrangement unacceptable. He summoned representatives of Julius Berger, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), and the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Abuja Investment Company, to clarify the matter.
“I was surprised to hear that there is a different contractor for the furniture, which is unacceptable to us,” the Minister had said, adding: “The job was given to Julius Berger entirely. I cannot have different qualities. You cannot say the upper part is furnished by Julius Berger and the lower part is furnished by another company. It’s not acceptable to me.”
The Minister expressed confidence that the projects would be completed within the stipulated timeframe to commemorate the President’s second anniversary. He commended CGC for their work on the Arterial Road N16 project, saying: “I’m happy with what the company, CGC, is doing. From the security reports, even when you come here at night, they are working. I believe by the grace of God, they will meet up with the timeline for the second anniversary of Mr. President.”
