Top officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and construction giant Julius Berger have been summoned over revelations that a section of the International Conference Centre (ICC) rehabilitation project was subcontracted without approval.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said this during a visit to the ICC and the N16 road project in Gishiri on Wednesday.
Wike expressed dissatisfaction after learning that the furniture installation for the conference hall had been handed over to another contractor by the Abuja Investments Company Limited.
The minister condemned the move as unacceptable, stressing that Julius Berger was awarded the project in its entirety and should not have been allowed to parcel out parts of it.
He said: “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 upstairs is furnished by Julius Berger and the down is furnished by another company. It is not acceptable to me.”
He said he had summoned the Acting Executive Secretary of FCDA, AICL’s Group Managing Director, and Julius Berger representatives to explain the unauthorized subcontract, including who authorized it and the rationale behind it.
Wike also queried who would bear the financial burden of the unauthorized furnishing contract, pointing out that he had given approval for the project’s budget.
He said: “I have invited Julius Berger, I have invited the Executive Secretary of the FCDA and the MD of the Abuja Investments Company Limited to know who did that, and if anybody is found culpable, of course, I must have to apply the big stick.
“Nobody should be a sacred cow. Nobody can do something that you know is not in terms with what we have agreed.
“I am not doubting the quality of work there. What I have said is that the quality of work is generally very fine. How they removed the furnishing of the conference hall from Julius Berger is what I do not know.
“And so that is why I summoned the Acting ES, FCDA, and the GMD of Abuja Investments Company Limited and Julius Berger, to come and tell us who did that, and also on whose approval, because I approve and I know the amount of money.
“So, when they say Abuja Investments is the one who is going to pay for it? I am not going to accept that, and of course, you know, if anything shady went on, you will hear that I have applied the big stick. Nobody will be a sacred cow.”
The minister praised the quality of work completed so far and expressed confidence that contractors would adhere to deadlines, referencing security reports highlighting their round-the-clock efforts.
He said: “I am impressed with the pace and quality of the work generally. But due process must be followed. Any shady deal will be dealt with decisively.”
Persecondnews recalls that Wike, on April 8, 2024, ordered the closure of the ICC for eight months to enable renovation work to be carried out after inspecting the facility, which was constructed by Julius Berger in 1991.
Author
Leave a comment