By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
The Federal Government has released the sum of N10.06 billion for the on-going construction of the Presidential VIP Wing of the State House Clinic situated within the premises of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
This much was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary in the State House, Abuja, Alhaji Tijanni Umar, while addressing the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs, which was on site of the project on Tuesday for its oversight function, the Permanent Secretary in the State House, Tijanni Umar, even as he assured that the project would be delivered by December 31, 2022.
Giving an overview on the financial status of the project, the Permanent Secretary said the N416.6 million budgeted for the project in 2020 and N1.06 billion in 2021 had been paid in full.
According to a statement signed by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director, Information in the Presidency, the total budget for the ultra-modern project, which will cater to the health needs of the President, the Vice President and other senior government officials, was put at N20.9 billion.
Also, the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs has expressed appreciation at the progress of work on the project.
Umar explained that out of the N20.8 billion budgeted for the project in 2022, the Federal Government had paid N8.5 billion.
The Permanent Secretary recalled that in line with due process, President Muhammadu Buhari had granted approval to engage Messers Julius Berger Plc to review and develop the concept design and proceed with the construction of the project as a turnkey contract.
Expressing satisfaction at the progress of work during an oversight visit, the leader of the Senate delegation and Chairman of Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs, Danjuma La’ah said when the project is completed, it would address the issue of medical tourism.
Members of the Senate Committee that inspected the project are: Istifanus Gyang (PDP, Plateau North), Mpigi Barinada (PDP, Rivers Southeast), Tofowomo Nicholas (PDP, Ondo South), Nmachi Ama (PDP, Ebonyi South), Gershon Bassey (PDP, Cross River South), Bulus Amos (APC, Gombe South), Dimka Ayuba (APC, Plateau Central), Frank Ibezim (APC, Imo North APC) and Halliru Jika (APC, Bauchi Central).
