The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has summoned key officials of the FCT Administration and representatives of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc over unauthorized subcontracting of a portion of the International Conference Centre (ICC) rehabilitation project.
Wike, during a site inspection of the ICC and the N16 road project in Gishiri on Wednesday, expressed strong disapproval upon discovering that furniture installation in the main conference hall had been handed over to another contractor by the Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL), without his knowledge or approval.
“The job was given to Julius Berger entirely,” Wike said. “I cannot have different qualities. We cannot say that the floor up is furnished by Julius Berger and the down is furnished by another company. It is not acceptable to me.”
The Minister emphasized that the project had been solely awarded to Julius Berger and should not have been fragmented. He stated that he had summoned the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the Group Managing Director of AICL, and Julius Berger representatives to explain the circumstances and authorization behind the subcontract.
“I was surprised to hear that there is a different contractor for that, which is unacceptable to us,” he noted.
Wike also raised concerns over financial accountability, pointing out that he personally approved the project’s budget and was unaware of any additional arrangements involving third-party contractors. He questioned who would bear the cost of the unauthorized furnishing contract, insisting that proper procedures must be followed.
“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,” he stated.
“Nobody should be a sacred cow. Nobody can do something that you know is not in terms with what we have agreed.”
Despite the controversy, the Minister commended the quality of work done so far and praised the dedication of contractors on-site, noting that security reports show many have been working day and night to meet the project’s deadlines.
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