By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Barr Nyesom Wike has moved to ensure that the cost of construction is reduced in the Territory.
He took this position during an inspection tour to Zeberced Limited Quarry Saturday in Abuja which is the largest in the whole of West Africa.
Wike, who was amazed at the scale of operations, described it as a game-changer for the construction industry in the region.
He said: “It’s a factory right here in the FCT, and the Managing Director has always invited me to see the facility, which is the biggest quarry in West Africa. I had never been here before, but today, I’ve taken the opportunity to assess the environment and see firsthand the incredible work being done,” Wike remarked during his tour of the factory.
The minister’s visit comes amidst rising construction costs in the capital city.
Wike stressed that the abundant availability of raw materials within the FCT should, in fact, lower construction expenses, particularly when it comes to aggregates used in building roads and infrastructure
He stated, “That shows that ordinarily, the cost of construction ought not to be very expensive, particularly in the FCT. Apart from the equipment that is imported, the raw material is available here. I wonder why contractors should be talking about the high cost of aggregates as if these materials are imported they’re made right here.”
With over 800 workers directly employed at the quarry, Wike commended the company’s contribution to job creation and local economic growth.
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He further revealed that the same company is spearheading the development of an industrial park at Idu, a project the FCT Administration is fully supporting.
“I sent out a letter to the Ministry of Finance just yesterday to facilitate some tax credits, which will enable them to carry out the expansion of a single-carriage road to a double-carriage way, a project currently being handled by Salini Construction Company. We’re giving them all the necessary support to make this a reality,” Wike added.
The minister, visibly impressed by the quarry’s operations, expressed some concerns about the environmental impact but was reassured that all assessments were up to standard. “My only concern was the environmental impact assessments, but I’ve been assured that everything is in compliance. I’m very impressed with what I’ve seen here.”
Wike’s visit underscores the FCT Administration’s focus on driving industrial growth while encouraging local manufacturing to support infrastructure development.
With local resources available, he emphasized the need for contractors to re-evaluate pricing structures, particularly in the FCT, to reflect the advantages of sourcing materials locally.
Wike’s endorsement of the quarry and the upcoming industrial park at Idu marks a step towards a more sustainable and cost-efficient approach to construction in the capital, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s vision for economic growth and infrastructural development.