Ongoing Niger State Government House cost N3.7 billion – Commissioner

The Niger State Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Zakari Jikantoro, has revealed that the government of Niger State has spent N3.7 billion for the ongoing renovation of the Government House in Minna.
Jikantoro informed pressmen after the state executive council meeting in Minna on Thursday that the first phase of the project had already been completed at N2.1 billion, while the second phase of the project for which contract had been awarded will cost N1.6 billion.
The commissioner said the project was being executed in phases because of the huge work that needed to be done as well as the huge funds required, adding that the second phase included the construction of three sets of three bedroom guest houses, swimming pool, whereas the first phase was for the Government House proper, the front gate and the fencing.
The administration of former Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu in 2014 commenced the renovation of the Government House with about N75 million in preparation for the incoming government but the job was stalled by lack of funds.
While Aliyu used his private residence as official quarters for eight years, the incumbent Governor Abubakar Sani Bello had also been residing at the Presidential Lodge since his swearing-in on May 29, 2015, as a result of lack of governor’s official residence.