By Leshi Adebayo
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the construction and equipping of a 14-bed presidential clinic at the cost of N21bn.
The Permanent Secretary, State House, Umar Tijjani made this known on Thursday when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, to present his 2022 budget proposal for consideration.
Tijani explained that construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria, is in charge of the construction of the VIP clinic.
He revealed that the physical construction would begin on November 1, 2021, and would be inaugurated on December 31, 2022.
“The project was conceived in 2012 by the previous administration and the brief was processed.
“It was estimated to cost about N21bn and the facility contains 14-bed space with a total area of 2, 700 square meters; there will be underground and first floor,” he said.
Giving reasons for choosing Julius Berger Nigeria for the construction, he told the committee that JBN was picked as the contractor because it built the State House and had been maintaining it since 1990.
Tijani said, “JBN has done great Job, and it was considered because of security reasons.”
However, a member of the Committee, Senator Nicolas Tofowomo expressed his displeasure as the Permanent Secretary failed to show the committee a pictorial view of the hospital.
On the other hand, some members of the Committee led by the Chairman, Senator Danjuma La’ah commended the initiative.
