FG to design DPR headquarters’ at N1.4bn

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, approved the sum of N1.4billion for the design of corporate head office of the Department for Petroleum Resources(DPR).

After the design, it would cost another N35billion to construct the high rise building in the Federal Capital Territory, according to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu.

However, in a quick response to defend the huge expenditure, Kachikwu said it was the most reasonable amount settled for, out of the proposals received in connection with the project as it was going for just 2 percent.

He said, “FEC approved N1. 4billion for the design of DPR head office in Abuja. The contract was awarded to Messers Arteck Practice Limited to design a 12 floor building at a plot of land which has already been allocated by the FCT.

“The DPR is currently based in Lagos and is the regulatory and supervisory arm of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and is instrumental in terms of income generation, it will enable DPR move to Abuja”.