2ND ANNIVESARY COMMEMORATION: FCT MINISTER INSPECTS ONGOING PROJECTS
( L-R) MD, CGC, Zhong Xiang, ES, FCDA, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda, FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike during the inspection of the access road from RR1 to Katampe district on Wednesday.
Ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second anniversary commemoration FCT Minister Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike inspected some key projects earmarked for commissioning on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
The projects inspected are Julius Berger Plc’s extensive renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC), the China Geoengineering Corporation (CGC) ‘s 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.
Addressing newsmen after the inspection, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work. He however, raised concerns regarding the subcontracting of the furnishing of the main Conference hall to a separate entity, deeming this arrangement as unacceptable.
He said, “We were at the International Conference Centre, and the work is going on as expected. The only problem we identified this afternoon has to do with the furniture that will be in the conference hall and I was surprised to hear that there is a different contractor for that, which is unacceptable to us”.
Barrister Wike said he has 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.
“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 said.
He further stated that, “The quality of work, generally, by Julius Berger is very fine. The issue is how they reassigned the furnishing of the conference hall to another company, and that’s why I summoned the acting Executive Secretary and the GMD of the Abuja Investment Company to come and tell us who did that and, on whose approval, because I approved and I know the amount of money. So, when they say Abuja Investment is the one, who is going to pay for it? Of course, I’m not going to accept that. And of course, you know, if anything shady went on, you will hear that I have applied the big stick. Nobody will be a sacred cow.”
( L-R) ES FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda and FCT Minister Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike when the Minister inspected the ongoing construction of the bridge linking Maitama and Katampe districts on Wednesday.
Speaking on the observed progress on the Arterial Road N16 project, the Minister expressed his satisfaction with the quality of work being delivered by CGC. He noted the continuous work being carried out, even at night, based on security reports, and expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the stipulated timeframe to commemorate the President’s second-year anniversary.
He commended the company and assured residents of the administration’s commitment to timely completion.
The Minister said: “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-year anniversary of Mr. President.
“I’m happy with the quality job they have done. I’m sure those who are living within this neighborhood are happy with what they are seeing now. So, I congratulate them, and I assure them on our part, we will do what we can to make sure the job is completed on schedule.”
ANTHONY OGUNLEYE
DIRECTOR, PRESS
(OFFICE OF THE HON. MINISTER)
FCTA/ODP/PR/677
23/04/2025