The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, recently made a significant announcement regarding the completion of the official residence of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. According to him, the construction, which had been abandoned, is set to be finalized by the renowned construction company, Julius Berger, before May 29, 2024.
Mr. Wike shared this information following his inspection of the ongoing project, currently being handled by Julius Berger. During his inspection, he revealed that Julius Berger had initiated work on the project even before receiving the necessary mobilization from the government. This demonstrated the contractor’s commitment to the timely completion of the project.
Providing more insights into the project, Wike disclosed that Julius Berger had requested a review of the contract sum, originally set at N7 billion, to N15 billion. This adjustment was deemed necessary due to the escalating costs of construction materials. The minister underscored President Tinubu’s dedication to seeing the project through and mentioned that he had already secured the approval of both the President and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Addressing concerns about funding, the FCT minister assured that the required funds would be made available to Julius Berger before December. This proactive measure aimed to ensure that the construction project is not hindered by financial constraints and is completed within the specified timeline.
During his interaction with the contractor, Wike expressed confidence in Julius Berger’s ability to meet the project’s deadline, emphasizing the government’s commitment to eliminating the stigma associated with abandoned projects. He stated, “Put everything you have so that we can achieve this; so that all the stories about abandoned projects will be a thing of the past.”
Accompanying the minister on the inspection was Mr. Shehu Ahmed, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). Ahmed provided historical context, revealing that the project was initially awarded in 2010 as part of the Abuja Master Plan.
Further details about the official residence were shared by Mr. Adebowale Ademo, the Director of Public Building at FCDA. He outlined that the main building would include three distinct living rooms on the ground floor, the Vice President’s Private Room, and conveniences. Additionally, the residence would feature a private lounge for the Second Lady, a Chapel, a Mosque, and a dormitory for security personnel. Ademo highlighted the sophisticated design, mentioning a screen-in facility at the entrance for incoming guests.
Representing Julius Berger during the inspection, Mr. Oliver Berger affirmed the company’s commitment to completing the project before the set deadline of May 29 next year. This assurance underscored the collaborative effort between the government and the construction company to revitalize and finalize the official residence of the Vice President.
In conclusion, the announcement by Minister Nyesom Wike signals a renewed commitment to infrastructure development and project completion in Nigeria. The collaboration with Julius Berger, a reputable construction firm, reflects the government’s determination to address past challenges associated with stalled projects. The proactive measures taken, including securing necessary approvals and ensuring timely funding, are indicative of a concerted effort to enhance efficiency and deliver tangible results within the stipulated timeframe.
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