Covid-19 delays N449m Radio House rehabilitation

N449 million project to rehabilitate Radio House over in weeks, says Lai

Information and culture minister Lai Mohammed says the on-going rehabilitation of the Radio House in Garki Abuja will be completed and commissioned in weeks but gave no specifics.

The N449 million rehabilitation was meant to last 12 weeks, but has been set back by Covid-19, Mohammed said.

NBC Board Disagrees With Minister Over Broadcast Code

Faulty Traffic Lights Worry Abuja Residents

On Monday, he inspected the ongoing N449 million project in company of the ministry’s permanent secretary, Grace Gekpe, other management members of staff and the contractor.

Mohammed noted that it was the first time in the 33 years  life of the edifice that any substantial rehabilitation works is being carried out on the structure

Radio House, in Garki’s Area 10, is the headquarter of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Voice of Nigeria, and equally houses the office of many past information ministers.

He said the scope of the works included the rehabilitation of the entire edifice, the lift, cooling system water, sanitation and toilet system, among others.

“The COVID-19 has slow down works on the project just like others across the country; The ban on international travel has hampered the importation of spare parts and some equipment needed.

“The visit today has been useful and has given us the opportunity to make some other direction and see how far the whole project can move.

“From what I have seen, hopefully in a matter of weeks, we will come here to commission a new radio house,” he said.

Mohammed assured that the FRCN management would make regular maintenance of the edifice, a priority after completion.