By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
The ongoing rehabilitation of the Abuja International Conference Centre is expected to be completed in the next three months.
This disclosure was made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike while inspecting the progress of work done on some key projects in the Federal Capital City on Thursday.
FCT Administration under Wike had awarded the contract for the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) to the Julius Berger Nig PLC shortly after the Minister assumed of office in August last year.
According to Wike: “‘As you can see for yourselves, we first of all went to the International Conference Centre, which is carrying a complete rehabilitation by Julius Berger, then, we went to the Court of Appeal at the Abuja Division, you also saw the way the projects there are moving smoothly. And then, we have been to the Outer Northern Expressway, and now we are here.
” We are very happy with the level of safety and quality of of work we have seen so far. We believe, by the grace of God, that Julius Berger will hand over the International Conference Centre by April ending to May. We also believe, as we agreed, with the company carrying out the project of the Abuja Division, the Court of Appeal, that it will be ready for handover in September this year. And we we have also agreed with Gilmore, that is in charge of these two areas, that will be part of our second year anniversary. Very competent contractors, I must confess.
” You will be glad, by the time these roads are open, the way the landscape of the city will look like. So, one is happy that the contractors are doing well and on our own part too, we will make sure that we don’t fail, so that they will not find excuses to say that they are unable to hand over the projects to us on the time agreed.
” As I speak to you, we are almost 90% of the 2024 budget. We are preparing for our 2025 budget. You certainly know that Mr. President just gave his budget speech in National Assembly for the National Budget. When he comes back, we are going to submit our 2025 statutory budget for him to transmit to National Assembly.
The Minister explained that all the projects were captured in the 2024 budget, saying that the new projects are also included in the 2025 budget.
” Mind you, the time period of the 2024 was extended to June ending this year”, he said.
