The Federal Government has awarded contract for the renovation of the two Hallowed Chambers- Senate and House in the National Assembly Complex, in the sum of N40, 238,899,499.85.
During the period of renovation, which will last for 12 months, Senators and members of the House of Representatives will make do with the Committee rooms for plenary sessions as the Chambers would be shut down.
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bala Mohammed, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the weekly Cabinet meeting presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo,
The renovation of both the ‘Red’ and ‘Green’ Chambers, Mohammed said will pave the way for expansion, upgrading and renovation of existing structures.
According to him, the project would be handled by Julius Berger Plc. While allaying the fears that the lawmakers may not be able to carry out their legislative duties, the Minister said they would make use of the large committee and conference rooms inside the complex.
He explained, “Of course we are going to close down the two chambers of the National Assembly for a period of 12 months and we are lucky we have already provided large committee rooms that will be used during the period for the parliament to continue its work. The contract is to cost N40.2 billon and it will take 40 months to complete”.
The project, which he explained is coming under national priority project, is specifically for the construction of Phase III Part III and upgrading of the two chambers of the National Assembly complex.
He said further that the new project of the National Assembly would include the provision 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, and meeting rooms.
Council also held a special session in honour of the first black President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.
