…Demands answers over contract change
FAVOUR ISHEMBER, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike expressed strong dissatisfaction with the decision to award the furniture contract for the International Conference Centre (ICC) renovation to a different contractor, rather than the original contractor, Julius Berger.
During an inspection of the ICC and M6 road on Wednesday, Wike revealed that he had summoned key officials, including the Executive Secretary of the FCDA and the MD of Abuja Investment Company Limited, to explain who authorized the change and why.
Wike stated that he would not accept subletting the furniture contract to another company, citing concerns over quality and accountability. “I cannot have different qualities. We cannot say that the floor up is furnished by Julius Berger and down is furnished by another company. It is not acceptable to me.”
“You’d see that we were at the International Conference Center, the work is going as expected. The only problem which we identified this afternoon has to do with the furniture that will be in the conference hall. 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. We cannot say that the floor up is furnished by Julius Berger and down is furnished by another company. It is not acceptable to me. ”
He vowed to investigate the matter thoroughly and apply strict measures to any culprit found responsible.
“I have invited Julius Berger, I have invited the Executive Secretary of the FCDA and the MD of the Abuja Investment Company Limited to know who did that, and if anybody is found culpable, of course, I must have to apply the big stick.”
Despite the setback, Wike expressed satisfaction with the overall progress of the ICC renovation and the M6 road project. He emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality work and ensuring that all aspects of the project are completed to the expected standard.
“What I have said is that the quality of work generally is very fine. How they removed the furnishing of the conference hall from Julius Berger is what I do not know”
Wike’s stance underscores his commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of FCT projects.
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