Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has summoned top officials of the FCT Administration and construction giant Julius Berger Nigeria Plc over reports that a portion of the International Conference Centre (ICC) rehabilitation contract was sublet to another company without his knowledge or approval.
Wike, who made the disclosure during an inspection of ongoing projects at the ICC and the N16 road in Gishiri, expressed dismay at the development after learning that the furnishing of the conference hall was outsourced to a different firm by the Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL).
“The job was awarded entirely to Julius Berger. I cannot accept a situation where the top floor is furnished by Julius Berger and the lower floor by another company. That’s unacceptable to us,” Wike said.
He noted that while the quality of work on the site has met expectations, the subletting of the furnishing aspect raised serious concerns about transparency and contract integrity.
“I have invited Julius Berger, the Acting Executive Secretary of FCDA, and the GMD of Abuja Investments Company Limited to explain who approved this arrangement. I approved the project and know the cost. So, how did Abuja Investments take over the furnishing? Who is going to pay for it?” the minister queried.
He warned that anyone found guilty of wrongdoing would face strict consequences: “Nobody is a sacred cow. If anything shady went on, you will hear that I have applied the big stick.”
Wike emphasized that only a single contractor must handle the entire scope of the ICC renovation to ensure uniformity and maintain standards.
Despite the controversy, the minister expressed satisfaction with the overall progress and quality of work, stating that the contractors were working around the clock to meet the deadline set to coincide with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second anniversary in office.
“Based on the security reports I have, the contractors are working day and night. I’m confident they will meet the deadline. I commend them and assure residents that the FCTA remains committed to delivering quality projects on schedule,” he added.
