From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed strong displeasure over the subletting of the furniture contract for the ongoing renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja.
Wike revealed that the furniture contract, originally awarded entirely to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, was given to a different contractor without his knowledge.
He spoke to newsmen after he inspected projects by Julius Berger Plc’s extensive renovation of the ICC and the China Geoengineering Corporation’s (CGC) construction of the access road from Ring Road 1, Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway by N16 to Katampe District and the bridge linking Maitama and Katampe districts.
This investigation highlights the minister’s resolve to maintain transparency and quality in the high-profile N39 billion ICC renovation project, which is expected to be completed ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s second-year inauguration in May.
During an inspection of the ICC and M6 road yesterday, Wike said: “I was surprised to hear that there is a different contractor for the furniture, 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.”
According to a statement by Director of Press, Anthony Ogunleye, the Minister confirmed that he had summoned top officials, including the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company Limited, and representatives of Julius Berger, to investigate who authorised the subcontracting. “If anybody is found culpable, of course, I must have to apply the big stick,” Wike warned.
The minister also questioned who would bear the cost of the furniture contract, stating, “If they say Abuja Investment is the one, who is going to pay for it? So, I am not going to accept that.”
Despite this issue, Wike expressed satisfaction with the overall progress of the ICC renovation, describing the quality of work as very fine and reaffirming the commitment to complete the project on schedule. He emphasised that the renovation was crucial for Nigeria’s international image and that no compromise on quality would be tolerated.
His firm stance follows previous actions, including shutting down the ICC for eight months to allow Julius Berger to carry out a comprehensive rehabilitation after poor maintenance by a prior contractor. The minister has consistently insisted that Julius Berger, the original builder of the ICC, should handle all renovation and maintenance work to ensure high standards.
He concluded: “Nobody will be a sacred cow. If anything shady goes on, you will hear that I’ve applied the big stick.”
Speaking on the observed progress on the arterial road N16 project, he expressed satisfaction with the quality of work being delivered by CGC. He noted the continuous work being carried out, even at night, based on security reports, and expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the stipulated timeframe to commemorate the President’s second-year anniversary.
He commended the company and assured residents of the administration’s commitment to timely completion. The Minister 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. I believe by the grace of God, they will meet up with the timeline for the second-year anniversary of Mr. President.
“I’m happy with the quality job they have done. I’m sure those who are living within this neighbourhood are happy with what they are seeing now. So, I congratulate them, and I assure them on our part that we will do what we can to make sure the job is completed on schedule.”