The Benue State House of Assembly has ordered the appearance of Gerewa Construction Company and key state officials to clarify delays and alleged poor workmanship in the ongoing renovation of the Assembly complex.
The Director of Civil Engineering in the Ministry of Works, Housing and Urban Development and the Director-General of the Benue State Public Procurement Commission are among those summoned, following a motion by Mr Simon Gabo (APC/Mata).
Gabo recalled that the renovation contract, awarded in July 2023, was originally scheduled for three months but has dragged on for over two years, despite N14 billion being paid to the contractor. He raised concerns over the continued use of temporary chambers and inadequate seating for lawmakers and staff, noting that access to the renovated complex remains restricted.
Engr Ezra Nyinongo (APC/Ukum) described the work as substandard, while Mr Anthony Agom (APC/Okpokwu) suggested prosecuting the contractor to recover public funds.
Speaker Alfred Emberga instructed that all summoned parties appear with full project documentation, including the bill of quantities, contract variations, and payment certificates. Emberga expressed regret that the prolonged renovation has left lawmakers in makeshift conditions for more than two years, despite the government having allocated sufficient funds to complete the project properly.
