The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike has promised to complete the abandoned construction of the official residence of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Wike made the pledge in Abuja on Tuesday, after inspecting the project being handled by Julius Berger.
The minister commended Julius Berger for the commitment toward completing the project by moving to site without the necessary mobilisation from the government.
He said that although the contractor had insisted that the contract sum be revised from N7 billion to N15 billion because of rising cost of materials, President Bola Tinubu’s administration is determined to complete the project.
He promised to make the needed funds available before December to ensure completion of the project, adding that he has already secured the approval of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
“When we came here last time, you promised us that you will be able to complete this project in the next eight months.
“Even though we have not mobilised you, I know that you have confidence in us, let me assure you that we will mobilise you before December God willing.
“Then, you have to rush to see that this is completed before May 29, 2024.
“Put everything you have so that we can achieve this; so that all the stories about abandoned projects will be a thing of the past,” Wike said.
Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmed, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), said that the project as captured in the Abuja Master Plan was awarded in 2010 with 20 months completion period.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that although the project had reached 80 per cent completion, no fresh work has been done on the site since 2013.
FCDA abandoned the project due to lack of funds and refusal of the 7th Senate to accept the increase of the contract sum by N9 billion.
The Director of Public Building, FCDA, Mr Adebowale Ademo, explained that the main building has three different living rooms on the ground floor, and also the Vice President Private Room and conveniences.
He added that the building plan also made provisions for the Second Lady Private Lounge, a Chapel, Mosque, and dormitory for security personnel.
“The entrance has a screen-in facility for guests that will be coming into the premises,” he added.
The representative of Julius Berger, Mr Oliver Berger, assured Wike of timely completion of the project.
