Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the administration has embarked on a 39 billion naira project to completely rehabilitate the International Conference Centre (ICC) in the territory.
Wike announced this yesterday after inspecting some significant projects in the FCT and expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the International Conference Centre and ongoing road constructions.
He stated that all necessary materials are on-site and that work is approximately 70 to 80 per cent complete. The contractors have assured him they will finish and hand over the project by May.
“I am pleased with what is happening. Julius Berger has promised us that they will complete it. The total cost is 39 billion naira, not 39 million naira,” he emphasised.
“Furthermore, all the required materials are available. When discussing the percentage of work progress, it is essential to consider the work completed and the on-site materials. I can confidently say that work is 70 to 80 per cent complete, and they have assured us they will finish and hand it over by May.”
Wike noted, “For everyone’s satisfaction, coming from a country like this, we cannot discuss having a befitting conference centre. What is the essence of Nigeria, the largest nation? Are we merely large in name? We travel globally and observe standards; why should our own be different?”
“We are committed to providing Nigerians the best, and I thank God for the support of Mr. President, who affirmed that we can continue this project. Based on what you have seen, it truly is an international conference centre,” he said.
He expressed optimism that by May 2025, President Bola Tinubu will recommission the completed ICC.
“I thank God and Mr. President for his support. If we had a president without foresight, things might have remained as they were for many years while other presidents came and went.
“No one deemed it necessary to ensure Nigeria has an international conference centre befitting our status as a nation. However, he came here and said that this situation could not continue. We must provide the country with the best, which is what is happening today,” he said.
While discussing the OSEX project in Wassa, where CGC is directly involved, Wike stated that the contractor assured him that by the grace of God, they would also inaugurate that project by May.
“We visited N5, where Julius Berger is working. You can see the quality of work being done there, but I have doubts about its completion by May,” he remarked.
“Yesterday, we were at Gishiri, where we led the demolition of some shanties, as that project should also be inaugurated during Mr President‘s second year in office.
“I can confidently say I am very pleased with the quality of work the contractors do. You can attest to what you have seen here at the International Conference Center; is it not the same ICC you used to visit?” he said.
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