The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday approved additional N5 billion for the construction of the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

By Isiaka Wakili

The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday approved additional N5 billion for the construction of the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Transportation Minister Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi stated this while briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the FEC meeting.

The minister explained that the change in the cost of the construction of the anti-graft agency’s headquarters was due to the foreign exchange fluctuation, saying “This is N5 billion.”

The contract for the construction of the EFCC Headquarters Complex, situated along the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Road in Abuja, was awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc on November 27, 2010 for N18.86 billion.

The project was initially expected to be completed within three years.

Amaechi also disclosed that the council equally approved the lease of what it called “fast-going vessels” for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The minister, who put the cost for the vessels’ lease at N3.8 billion, noted that it was for the next one year.

According to Amaechi, this is aimed at enabling the NIMASA to perform its responsibility on the high sea.

The minister, however, did not disclose the number and the supplier of the vessels to be leased.

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