Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike has presented a N61 billion 2023 supplementary budget to the National Assembly for the commencement and completion of critical projects in the nation’s capital.
Wike made this known on Tuesday while inspecting the residence of the Vice President, which is currently under construction
He disclosed that the budget, which was endorsed by President Bola Tinubu, will be used for projects that will change the landscape of the FCT and boost tourism.
The minister commended Julius Berger for the commitment toward completing the VP residence 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.
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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. (NAN)
