By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved key contracts worth billions of Naira aimed at enhancing infrastructure development, security and well-being of the residents of the nation’s capital.
This major contract approval took place during the FCT Executive Committee (EXCO) first meeting of the year which was presided by the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike in Abuja on Thursday.
While addressing journalists shortly after the meeting, the Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Abdulkabir Zulkiflu disclosed that the EXCO approved a contract for the construction of a 33KVA power supply line from Dawaki to Bwari, along with a solar street light system for Arab Road and the U-Shaped road connecting to Arab Road in Kubwa, a satellite town in Bwari Area Council.
The project, he said, was awarded to Messrs CGC Nigeria Limited for N3.065 billion and will be completed in six months. He added that the initiative is aimed at enhancing security in the satellite towns, particularly at night.
Zulkiflu also disclosed that the FCT Executive Committee approved the award of contract for the construction of multi-event sports centers in Abuja. He said Lot 1 of the project was awarded to Messrs Earthgain Energy and Environmental Services Ltd, and Lot 2 to Tegwa-Tegwa Nigeria Limited, both with a completion period of 12 months.
Furthermore, the Committee, he said, approved the construction of two Magistrate Courts in Asokoro and Garki Districts at the sum of N7.6 billion and N6.3 billion respectively. The projects, he stated, have completion periods of 15 and 18 months, respectively and they align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving service delivery within the FCT.
Also addressing Journalists, the Director, FCTA Security Services Department, Mr. Adamu Gwary, disclosed that the Executive Committee, in a significant move to bolster security, approved a contract for the construction of three new police divisional headquarters and six-man staff quarters in Kuje, Gwagwalada, and Kwali Area Councils.
He said, the projects, which will cost N3.648 billion, completes the initiative of providing two divisional headquarters in each of the six Area Councils of the FCT and fulfils the FCT Minister’s promise to improve security infrastructure and equip police officers to combat crime, particularly in the Area Councils and satellite towns.
Emphasizing the commitment of the FCTA to reducing crime and criminality to the barest minimum in the FCT, Mr. Gwary said, “This is a milestone in terms of providing security infrastructure by this administration and this will not be the last. This will continue. As you are all aware, we have made significant progress in terms of reducing crime and criminality in the FCT. The statistics are going down and we want to ensure that such efforts are being maintained to ensure all hands are on deck to reduce the number of crime and criminality to the barest minimum.”
Also speaking to newsmen, the Head of Service of the FCTA, Mrs. Grace Adayilo said the FCT Executive Committee has approved a contract for a combined all-risk insurance policy covering the FCTA’s movable and immovable assets for a period of 12 months. This policy, she said, is mandated by the Federal Government and will protect government assets against various risks, ensuring business continuity and minimizing financial losses.
The insurance underwriters, according to the her, are Messrs Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc (Lead), Messrs KBL Insurance Plc, Messrs Cornerstone Insurance Plc, and Messrs Crown Takaful Insurance Ltd, adding that the Insurance Brokerage companies are Messrs Sam/Vic Insurance Brokers Limited (Lead), Messrs Radiance Insurance Brokers Limited, and Messrs KOB Insurance Brokers Limited.
The Chief of Staff to the Minister, Hon. Chidi Amadi on his part also stressed the commitment of the FCT Administration towards provision of essential infrastructure, enhancing security and well- being of the residents.
