The House of Representatives Committee on Public Service Matters has issued an ultimatum to contractors handling the National Assembly Service Commission’s office complex, demanding completion by November or risk having their contract revoked.
The warning came during the committee’s oversight visit to the Commission on Wednesday, where members also observed a minute’s silence for deceased NASC officer, Mr Titus Apollos.
Committee Chairman Hon Sani Umar Bala expressed frustration over the prolonged delays, threatening that contractors would be required to refund all monies received from the Federal Government if the project remains incomplete.
“Despite the huge amount of money that was paid to the contractors, they have rather chosen to frustrate early completion of the job,” Hon Bala stated during the session.
The committee’s visit was overshadowed by news of Mr Apollos’ recent death. The officer had been battling illness for some time and was receiving treatment at Garki General Hospital at the Commission’s expense. According to sources, he had visited the office from his hospital bed seeking additional financial assistance, which was allegedly unavailable at the time.
NASC Executive Chairman Chief Saviour Enyiekere briefed the committee on the officer’s demise and defended the Commission’s efforts to support his healthcare needs.
“Staff welfare and their wellbeing is a cardinal policy of the 6th Commission,” Chief Enyiekere told committee members, whilst expressing regret over what he termed “misrepresentation of facts” surrounding the officer’s death.
The Executive Chairman outlined several challenges facing the Commission, including inadequate office accommodation and insufficient funds for staff welfare. He appealed for the committee’s support in expediting completion of the permanent office complex.
“The issue of accommodation remains a significant hurdle,” Chief Enyiekere noted, also requesting speedy amendment of relevant laws to enable the Commission to function more effectively.
