The House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Ministry has raised concerns about the contractors responsible for the skill acquisition centre at Iwuo Achang, Ibeno LGA of Akwa Ibom. The committee chairman, Eugene Dibiagwu, issued the query during an investigative hearing in Abuja regarding the abandoned project.
Mr. Dibiagwu criticized the contractors’ lack of commitment, stating that their inaction had contributed to Nigeria’s problem of abandoned projects. He highlighted the absurdity of the project remaining incomplete despite the contractors receiving 85 percent of the contract sum.
“As a contractor that has been paid up to 85 percent, you are supposed to have completed that project; you know the reason why you have not; we will not allow the project to die that way,” Mr. Dibiagwu asserted. He acknowledged the economic challenges affecting the cost of materials but emphasized that this does not justify the delay.
The committee chairman revealed that part of the fence built by the contractors had collapsed, prompting an investigation into the cause. He urged the contractors to expedite the completion of the project, noting that the committee would refrain from further disputes until the project is finished.
Mr. Dibiagwu pointed out that completing the skill acquisition centre would require an additional N2 billion, bringing the total project cost to N6.2 billion from the initially quoted N4.2 billion. Despite this, he expressed doubts about the centre’s functionality even at the increased budget, citing the extensive work still needed.
“The centre must accommodate training workshops, personnel to manage it, and the necessary equipment for it to be functional,” he stated. The House had previously urged the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to ensure the project’s completion within the 2024 fiscal year and mandated the Committee on Niger Delta Ministry to ensure compliance.
The contract for the centre was awarded on March 15, 2010, to three companies by the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. The contractors included Stegis International Agency Nigeria Ltd. for civil construction, Enarosol Nigeria Ltd. for landscaping and perimeter fencing, and Y. S. Associates for electrical and mechanical works. The project had reached about 85 percent completion 12 years ago but was abandoned due to unexpected increases in the price of goods, leaving the property vandalized and in poor condition.
The committee has requested the contractors to present copies of the contract agreements, interim performance certificates, and other relevant documents related to the project.
