By Eunice Orike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing rehabilitation of the international conference center in Abuja, says the project is 70-80% completion with all necessary materials already on site.
The project, which is expected to be completed by May, is part of the government’s efforts to upgrade the nation’s capital and provide a befitting conference center for international events.
The minister made this known on Wednesday when he went on an inspection tour of road construction projects including N5 life camp, OSEX to Wassa and the inspection of the international conference centre.
The Minister noted that the project is being carried out by reputable contractors, including Julius Berger, at a cost of 39bn.
He also stated that the project is about 70-80% complete, with all materials already on site.
Furthermore,the minister noted that the rehabilitation of the international conference center is a significant project for the FCT, as it will provide a modern and state-of-the-art facility for conferences and other events.
The project is also expected to boost the local economy and provide jobs for residents.
“We are giving Nigerians the best, and I thank God for the support of Mr. President… If it’s a president that has no foresight, maybe, like it has been here all these years, where other presidents have come and gone. Nobody deemed it necessary to say Nigeria must have an international conference that’s befitting of a nation like Nigeria”, he said.
He emphasised the importance of cooperation from residents and traditional rulers to ensure the successful completion of these projects.
The Minister acknowledged that the projects may cause temporary inconvenience to residents, but assured that the end result will be worth the sacrifice.
He appealed to residents to support the government’s efforts to develop the city and improve their quality of life.
However, he promised that the center will be handed over to the Abuja investment company Limited after the renovation, which will be managed differently to prevent exploitation.
