FEC approves concession of ‘Colonial’ Central Workshop Ijora

…Project approved for PPP to generate over N28.1bn in 20 years

From Idu Jude, Abuja

The Federal Executive Council has approved the concession of the Central Workshop Ijora to a private sector firm for rehabilitation and optimal operation under the regulatory guidance of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

A press statement signed by Manji Yarling, Head of Media and Publicity ICRC, informed that the project is the First Public Private Partnership (PPP) project to be approved under the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The concession according to Manji, will adopt a Rehabilitate-Operate-Maintain-Transfer PPP model that seeks to upgrade the Central Workshop to ensure its functions are realized.

The statement further read in parts, “With the Federal Ministry of Works as Guarantor, the project which is an unsolicited project (Privately Initiated Infrastructure Proposals – PIIP) by, Beta Transport Nigeria Limited is expected to generate NGN 28.1 billion within a 20-year concession period.

“The Central Workshop, Ijora, Lagos (“CWI”) was an appendage of the defunct Public Works Department (PWD).

“The PWD was the agency of the Colonial Government responsible for building and maintaining government buildings and property, roads, rail tracks, bridges, harbours and aerodromes. During the colonial era, the Workshop was used for the maintenance of vehicles, sewage treatment plants, and water supply equipment.

“It also provided technical advice to other departments in the Colony. Presently, the workshop is not operating optimally hence, the need to engage private sector participation. With the approval of FEC, the concessionaire will ensure that productive and professional work will be carried out in the workshop in line with standard guidelines and operating procedures via the provision of modern equipment.

“The concessionaire will also ensure that the workshop runs at the highest standard of operational excellence and in all restore the past reputation of engineering productivity and excellence.

“The activities of BETA will complement the mandate of the Engineering Services Department of the Federal Ministry of Works for the fabrication of mechanical tools, products, poles, and foundry items amongst others.

“The rehabilitation of this workshop will also provide repair services to most of the run-down trucks and vehicles which would have otherwise been left parked on the roadsides, which will in turn decongest the roads in this area.”