Deadline dilemma: Contrasting views emerge between Reps Speaker and chamber renovation contractor

The anticipated completion of the renovation of the House of Representatives chamber is shrouded in uncertainty as the contractor handling the project, Mr Tajudeen Olanipekun, disagrees with the December 31 deadline set by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas.

During an unscheduled visit to the project site on November 14, Speaker Abbas, accompanied by Deputy Rep. Benjamin Kalu, emphasized the December 31, 2023 deadline for the renovation’s completion to ensure the commencement of legislative work in the newly-renovated chamber for the year 2024.

However, Olanipekun, the Project Manager, contests the sacrosanct nature of this deadline, asserting that funding is not causing any delays and that the contract has been adequately funded. The renovation, initiated in April 2022, has extended over a year without clear signs of near completion.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCDA), not the National Assembly management, oversees the project. Olanipekun characterizes the lawmakers as end users, underscoring that the deadline is not absolute.

“We are dealing with end users and not the client; whatever we do, we report to the client. We cannot stop the end users from coming to see their property,” he stated.

The Speaker’s impromptu inspection aimed to ensure adherence to the December 31 deadline, enabling lawmakers to resume legislative activities in the newly-renovated chamber after the end-of-year recess.

The history of the National Assembly complex’s renovation includes perennial flooding before the commencement of work and budgetary controversies. In 2019, a budget of over N30 billion for the renovation garnered criticism and was eventually revised downward to N9 billion.

Amidst this, Rep. Amos Daniel, Chairman of the House Services Committee, affirms diligent supervision to ensure the contractor delivers the project on schedule and according to specifications. The contrasting perspectives between the Speaker and the contractor add uncertainty to the timely completion of this crucial renovation.

Credit: NAN