Wike fumes over exclusion of Julius Berger in Abuja Conference Centre contract

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has voiced his displeasure over the decision to exclude Julius Berger from handling the furnishing of the Abuja International Conference Centre, even though the company was originally awarded the full rehabilitation contract in April 2024.

Wike made his feelings known on Wednesday during an inspection visit to the project site in Abuja, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

While commending Julius Berger for the quality of work delivered so far, the minister said he was shocked to discover that a different contractor had been given the job of furnishing the facility without his consent.

He explained that the contract he personally approved covered the complete rehabilitation of the conference centre, including furnishing.

Wike insisted that any alteration to the agreed plan should have received official approval.

“The work was going as expected. The only problem we identified this afternoon has to do with the furniture that will be in the conference hall. I was surprised to hear that there is a different contractor for that, which is unacceptable to us. The job was given to Julius Berger entirely. I cannot have different qualities,” Wike declared.

Following the discovery, the minister summoned officials of Julius Berger, the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for an explanation on who authorised the deviation and for what reason.

He stressed that splitting the contract between different firms could compromise the overall standard and uniformity of the project.

Wike also warned that any irregularities uncovered in the process would be met with firm action, adding that no organisation or individual involved would be spared from accountability.

The Abuja International Conference Centre, built by Julius Berger in 1990 and completed ahead of the 1991 OAU Heads of Government meeting, has long hosted government events, international summits, exhibitions, and corporate functions.

By March 2025, Wike announced that the N39 billion renovation project had reached between 70 and 80 per cent completion.

He expressed confidence it would be ready for use by May as part of activities to mark President Tinubu’s second year in office.