The National Assembly refurbishment project is costing N30 billion, and the Senate yesterday threatened to arrest Visible Concept’s management team if it wasn’t finished on time.
Following the significant deterioration of the National Assembly Complex, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) awarded contracts in March of this year for the repair of important areas like the Senate and House of Representatives chambers.
The contracts also included work on the White House Dome’s restoration and the building of the National Assembly Service Commission’s (NASC) and Library’s offices.
The projects would be completed between January and August 2023 in stages.
Yesterday, the contractors in charge of the project received orders from the Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory, which is led by Senator Smart Adeyemi, to finish the job or face arrest.
When the Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory conducted its first on-site inspection in June, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, revealed that the contractors, Messrs Visible Concept, had received a mobilization fee of N9 billion.
On the other hand, Tajudeen Olanipekun, the Visible Concept site engineer, requested more mobilization funding yesterday during the Senate panel’s second on-site visit.
Shehu Hadi Ahmad, the FCDA’s Executive Secretary, was present when he spoke.
However, Adeyemi, the chairman of the Senate panel, expressed grave concern over the lack of progress.
Despite the outstanding remodeling work being done at both chambers, Adeyemi said he was concerned that the project might not be finished on time due to its slow progress.
He made it clear to the contractor that the January 2023 date for delivering the renovated holy chambers would no longer be possible, barring a miracle.
Adeyemi was unsatisfied with the response of the contractors and requested that the FCDA Executive Secretary speak with the minister to request additional funding for the contractors.
