ABUJA, Nigeria — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has strongly rejected the repeated variations in the Ushafa – Bwari Road project contract amount, describing the situation as “very embarrassing.”
The minister conveyed his disapproval while addressing journalists on Thursday, September 7, 2023, following a site visit to the project, accompanied by the Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, and other government officials.
“The job was awarded in 2017 at N20 billion. In 2020, it was revised to N50 billion. As of now, they have paid about N50 billion, and what’s outstanding is N900 million,” Wike stated.
“Now they are telling us that the N900 million is insufficient for a job they claimed is 90% complete. We are not going to accept another variation. Even the engineering services need an overhaul.”
The minister took issue with the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, over frequent contract amount variations, terming the situation as “worrisome.”
“What we see in FCDA contract variations from N10 billion to N119 billion and from N50 billion to N200 billion is alarming,” he said.
Wike also expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of the rehabilitation of Lower Usuma Dam Water Works, Gurara Road in Bwari.
He revealed that the project, initially classified as an “emergency,” had not been fully awarded and was operating under a mere “letter of intent” issued in August 2022.
Emphasizing the importance of water supply for the city and its surrounding areas, Wike stated that the project would be re-awarded and invited other companies to submit their bids.
Regarding abandoned projects, the minister said that over 10 contracts had been selected for completion.
Agreements with contractors have been finalized, and Wike has directed the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Mr. Shehu Hadi, to ensure all approved files are sent to the Director of Treasury. Payments to contractors will be made by Friday.
“In fact, like the millennium tower, contractors have agreed to finish it within two years, and we are paying them N3 billion every month,” he added.
On Monday, resurfacing work will commence on most of the roads in Garki, Maitama, and Wuse, as the minister acknowledged that the current state of these roads is “terribly bad.”
The minister’s strong stance against variations in project costs and his proactive measures for pending projects reflect a commitment to bring greater accountability and efficiency to the development of the FCT.
