FG to close N’Assembly complex for one year

The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday approved a contract of N40.2bn for the construction of the Phase III, Part III of the National Assembly complex and the upgrading of the assembly’s two chambers.

To pave the way for the smooth implementation of the project, the two chambers would be closed to legislative duties for 12 months.

The approval was given by FEC on Wednesday at its weekly meeting presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo.

President Goodluck Jonathan was away in South Africa where he participated in the funeral rites for the country’s former President, Dr. Nelson Mandela.

Minister of Information,  Mr. Labaran Maku; and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Muhammed, briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting.

Muhammed said the National Assembly project, which was awarded to construction giant, Julius Berger, included the construction of library, budget office, printing press, clinic, restaurants, banquet hall, places of worship, plenary hall (auditorium), TV/radio/press facilities, fitness room, administrative offices, technical rooms, meeting rooms and the upgrading of the two chambers.

He said the contract would  be carried out in 40 months under the National Priority Programme of the Federal Government and based on national plan.

Muhammed said the two chambers of the National Assembly would remain closed for the period that an arrangement has been made for large conference rooms where lawmakers can be carrying out their legislative duties.

He however said the commencement date for the closure would be determined when the tripartite agreement with the contractor is signed.

Maku said based on the request of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the council approved the building of a national laboratory in Owerri, Imo State, for the testing of petroleum products as well as crude oil and gas to ensure the products meet the best international standard.

PUNCH