Wike queries Julius Berger’s exclusion from furnishing of Abuja Convention Centre

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed shock and displeasure over the exclusion of Julius Berger from furnishing the Abuja Convention Centre, regardless of the corporate being awarded the complete rehabilitation contract in April 2024.

Wike made his place clear throughout an inspection go to to the mission website on Wednesday in Abuja, as reported by the Information Company of Nigeria (NAN).

Whereas commending Julius Berger for the standard of labor accomplished to date, the minister mentioned he was shocked to study that the furnishing side of the mission was handed over to a unique firm with out his approval.

Based on the minister, the unique settlement was for Julius Berger to deal with the entire rehabilitation of the Abuja Worldwide Convention Centre (AICC). He acknowledged that he had personally accredited the contract and the price range concerned, and any deviation from that plan required official clearance.

“The work was going as anticipated, the one drawback we recognized this afternoon has to do with the furnishings that will probably be within the convention corridor. 

“I used to be shocked to listen to that there’s a totally different contractor for that, which is unacceptable to us. The job was given to Julius Berger fully. I can not have totally different qualities,” Wike acknowledged.

Extra insights  

The FCT Minister subsequently summoned the management of Julius Berger, Abuja Funding Firm Ltd (AICL), and the Federal Capital Growth Authority (FCDA) to make clear who authorised the deviation from the unique contract and on what foundation.

He maintained that assigning totally different contractors to furnish separate sections of the identical facility risked compromising the general high quality and consistency of the mission.

Wike additionally warned that any irregularities found would entice decisive motion, reiterating that no particular person or organisation concerned can be exempt from accountability.

What it’s best to know  

The Abuja Worldwide Convention Centre, constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC in 1990 and accomplished in time for the 1991 OAU Heads of Authorities assembly, has lengthy served as a venue for presidency features, worldwide summits, exhibitions, and company occasions.

• Over time, the ability deteriorated. In April 2024, President Tinubu ordered pressing renovations after calling its situation an “eyesore” through the ECOWAS Parliament inauguration. The FCT Administration suspended actions on April 8, permitting Julius Berger to start in depth rehabilitation.
• The mission goals to revive the centre to worldwide requirements. Strategically positioned with entry to Nnamdi Azikiwe Worldwide Airport and central Abuja, the venue contains assembly halls, convention rooms, gardens, and outside occasion areas.

By March 2025, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, introduced that the N39 billion renovation was 70–80% full. He expressed confidence it will be prepared to be used by Might, and among the many tasks to mark Tinubu’s second 12 months in workplace.