President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), to renovate the former Ministry of Agriculture building for the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development.
This announcement was made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during an inspection of the building in Abuja’s Central Business District on Wednesday.
Wike described the renovation as an emergency project, noting that the FCTA would invite companies to assess the building and provide quotations for the work. He confirmed that an integrity test had been conducted on the structure, which returned positive results.
Wike stated, “Well, it is the former Ministry of Agriculture, and we have a directive from Mr. President to go and immediately refurbish the place and furnish it for the new Ministry of Livestock.”
He emphasized the importance of the new ministry, saying, “This is a welcome development, and you can see people are happy, waiting for it to start.”
He explained that companies would be invited to evaluate the building, with plans to select the most responsive bidder for the project. Wike reassured that, while there is no rush, the work would commence soon.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Writes NASS, Requests Approval for Supplementary Budget for the FCT
In addition, Wike instructed the Department of Development Control to demolish buildings obstructing a road corridor leading to the Kugbo International Market from the Mpape axis.
He highlighted the market’s construction under a Public Private Partnership arrangement, emphasizing the need for affordable access for traders to prevent roadside trading in the FCT. “This is an investment that should be encouraged, as an international market of this standard,” he stated.
Wike acknowledged the existing challenges, such as encroachment, and reiterated his directive for immediate demolition of any impediments. “We will not allow that,” he asserted, adding, “Somebody invested his money… we must take into cognizance all of those things. An investor must also make profits.”
He cautioned against allowing traders to occupy roadways and stressed the need for equitable arrangements that benefit both investors and traders.
“We will look into that, we will do the costing and we will ask the MD and Chief Executive of Abuja Investment Company to sit down with the investor to see what agreement we can reach,” Wike concluded.
