The Ministry of Environment has obtained approval from the Federal Executive Council to award about 42 billion Naira contract for the construction of centre of excellence for environmental restoration in Cana Local Government Area of Rivers State, to facilitate efficient and cost-effective approach to contamination management.
The Minister, Alhaji Muhammad Abdullahi, told newsmen that the centre would provide training and courses on remediation, as well as skills in contamination technology.
The Ministry also got approval to award over 18 billion Naira contract for the construction of Ogoni 100-bed specialist hospital, to be completed in 24 months.
The Minister explained that apart from the remediation component, the hospital would support the wellbeing and welfare of people affected by the negative effects of contamination in Ogoni land.
Also approved was the memorandum presented by the Ministry of Transportation to renew management contracts for critical works within Apapa and Tin Can ports complexes.
The Minister, Alhaji Mu’azu Jaji, said the previous agreement, which lasted for 15 years, expired in March, last year, hence the necessity to renew it to a 10-year period, at the cost of over 12 billion Naira.
He said approval was also given for the procurement of 2 boats to support the operations of the newly-commissioned Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos, at the cost of over 14 billion Naira, to be delivered in 15 months.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Works and Housing, Alhaji Umar El-Yakubu, said they had obtained approval to award an over 46 billion Naira contact for the dualisation of the Akure-Ita-Ogbolu through Iju Ado-Ekiti road linking Ondo and Ekiti States, to be completed in 24 months.
The Ministry of Aviation got approval to expend over 2 billion Naira in the construction of a 150-room capacity female hostel at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State, to be completed in 12 months.
Prior to the commencement of the meeting, President, Buhari swore in former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase as the new chairman of the Police Service Commission, following his confirmation by the Senate.
The President also swore in five board members of the Code of Conduct Bureau.
A minute of silence in honour of Lieutenant General Oladipo Diya, who passed away last week.
Bello Wakili
