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FCTA, Julius Berger relaunch land swap initiative

T he land swap initiative has been a controversial policy since it was introduced due to some misconceptions. But the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has relaunched it, insisting that it is the right way to go if the government is to achieve even development of Abuja. InsideAbuja reports

 

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has relaunched its Land Swap Initiative, a programme conceived to remedy the infrastructure deficit in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by swapping land with private investors, who would in turn provide the necessary infrastructure.

 

Under the programme, government grants land to private investors to develop through Public Private Partnership (PPP) to boost infrastructure provision in the City.

 

The new phase of the programme was flagged off with the official Site Handover and inauguration of Gwagwa District, Abuja Phase IV North, to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the construction giant that has been involved in the infrastructure development of Abuja for several decades.

 

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Mohammed Musa Bello, who handed over the sight, explained that the ceremony signalled the full resumption of the Land Swap Initiative, which would pave way for the provision of the desired infrastructure in the areas earmarked for development.

 

He said the initiative, came about when it became very clear that there  was no way the FCT could be developed using the normal annual budgetary allocations, because of the astronomical manner the City had grown in terms of population over the years.

 

He stated that the Gwagwa District project was one in the series of projects that would be flagged-off before the end of the current administration, adding that the FCTA would be very tough in ensuring the protection of the interests of the state, people and private partners on the execution of the project.

 

According to him, investors are expected to within a 10-year development plan facilitate provision of infrastructure development in the given site, and encourage real estate development in line with the standard set by the FCTA.

 

The minister explained that Julius Berger was chosen to undertake the project because of its “sound, unmatched and continuing” efforts in the infrastructural development of Abuja.

 

“Julius Berger has a sound recorded infrastructure development history in the Federal Capital Territory. “I am so happy, that this particular project is being done in partnership with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

 

There is no way you can write the history of the Federal Capital Territory, without mentioning Julius Berger, which as we all know is 100 per cent Nigerian. “We are very proud to be associated with the company in this City.

 

We hope that at some point in the future, we will come here and see what the construction leader, JBN has done,” he said.

 

Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, said the land swap initiative is a testament of the commitment of the administration to the provision of infrastructure for residents of the FCT. She described the programme as a bold step towards resolving the “burdensome challenge” of funding infrastructure development with annual budgetary allocations.

 

“The importance of this project therefore cannot be over emphasised, given the abundant investment opportunities embedded in the Land Swap Programme.

 

This initiative will lead to greater inflow of revenue and economic activities, and gainful employment for both youths and women alike,” she said.

 

Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Olusade Adesola, explained that the return to the land swap initiative followed the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari to the Ministers to ensure continuation of ongoing projects.

 

Adesola said it is a capital intensive project aimed at assisting the FCTA to accelerate the development of Abuja.

 

The ceremony had in attendance several dignitaries including the Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmed and the Chief of Jiwa, HRH Idris Musa; Regional Manager, Central North, Engr. Oliver Berger amongst others.

 

Meanwhile, Julius Berger has honoured 838 staff for their “dutiful, loyal, dedicated and inspiring service’ to the company in their various professional  callings and vocations.

 

The company has also promoted 35 junior staff to senior staff cadre and elevated 362 members from one level to another during the 2021 Long service awards ceremony of the company which held in Abuja. Executive Director, Administration of Julius Berger Nigeria, Alhaji Zubairu Ibrahim Bayi, said the award ceremony is an annual event to recognise long-serving staff and show appreciation for their contribution towards the continued success and progress of the company

 

The awardees ranged from staff who served the company for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40+ years and above and have written their names in the annals of the company.

 

According to Bayi, the recipients received various prizes, in accordance with stipulations in the company’s internal conditions of service.

 

The company, Bayi said, acknowledges its workers for their productive and highly valued commitment, professional zeal, and masterly contributions to the company’s historical development and emergence as Nigeria’s leading and preferred engineering construction brand.

 

According to him, the company had, in the outgoing year, put into place structures for optimization of productivity across the entire spectrum of the company’s operations in order to keep the company competitive and further support sustainable performance in its business for the years to come.

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