From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike expressed dismay on Wednesday over the unauthorised subcontracting of the furniture installation for the ₦39 billion International Conference Centre (ICC) renovation in Abuja.
During an inspection of the ICC and the N16 road project in Gishiri, Wike discovered that the furniture contract, originally awarded solely to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, was outsourced to another company without his approval.
He stated, “I was surprised to hear that there is a different contractor for that, which is unacceptable to us. The job was given to Julius Berger entirely. I cannot have different qualities.”
Wike summoned the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), and Julius Berger representatives to explain the discrepancy. He warned, “If anybody is found culpable, of course, I must have to apply the big stick. Nobody will be a sacred cow.”
He questioned who would fund the unauthorised contract, saying, “If they say Abuja Investment is the one, who is going to pay for it? So I am not going to accept that.”
Despite the issue, Wike praised the ICC renovation’s progress, noting, “What I have said is that the quality of work generally is very fine.”
The minister also inspected the N16 access road and bridge projects by China Geoengineering Corporation (CGC), expressing satisfaction with their quality and pace. He 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.”
Wike confirmed the projects are on track for completion by May 2025, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s second-year anniversary.