Wike Queries Split Contracts at AICC, Vows Action
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has summoned top officials from Julius Berger, Abuja Investment Company Ltd (AICL), and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) over a contract irregularity in the ongoing renovation of the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC).
The contract for the full rehabilitation of the AICC was awarded to Julius Berger in April 2024. But during an inspection visit on Wednesday, Wike expressed shock upon discovering that a different contractor was handling the supply of furniture for the main conference hall.
“The work has been progressing as expected,” Wike said, “but today we found a major issue with the furniture. I was shocked to learn that another company, not Julius Berger, is responsible for furnishing the conference hall. That’s not what we agreed to.”
He stressed that the entire contract was originally awarded to Julius Berger and questioned who authorized the split—and who would cover the cost.
“I approved the contract and I know the amount involved. If Abuja Investment Company is now supplying furniture, who approved it? Who’s paying for it?” he asked. “This is unacceptable. If anything shady happened, you can be sure I’ll act. Nobody is above the rules.”
While praising Julius Berger for the quality of their work so far, Wike warned that splitting the contract could compromise both quality and consistency.
“We can’t have Julius Berger furnishing one part and another contractor doing another. It creates a mismatch, and I won’t allow that,” he said.
The minister also inspected other major projects across the city, including the Interchange at NICON Junction and the Shehu Shagari Way (N16) extension linking to Wole Soyinka Way.
He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of these projects, assuring residents that they would be completed and ready for inauguration by May.
“The FCTA is committed to completing these projects on time,” Wike said. “We’ll do everything necessary to meet our deadlines and keep the city moving forward.”
