The N9.8 billion contract for the restoration of connection roads and other facilities at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport has drawn criticism from several civil society groups.

Julius Berger Plc was given the contract by the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Executive Council on Friday.

The contractor had six months to finish the project, according to Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, who briefed the media during the 9th Executive Council meeting at the FCT Secretariat in Abuja.

The connection road, the access road to the presidential kitchen, the hangar housing the presidential aircraft, and the holding facility for visiting presidents were all included in the contract, Ahmad said.

The second document from the FCDA’s side concerns some repair and the building of the current connection road between the Presidential Wing and Bill Clinton Drive. There are more amenities inside the Presidential Wing, however if you have driven that road, you are aware of its poor condition.

These will be renovated since they have displayed indicators of distress and dilapidation. Located inside the Presidential Wing is the presidential kitchen. The road that leads from the main road to that location does not provide access. We’re going to fix that road.

In addition to the runway lights on the side of the presidential wing, these are some of the amenities that need to be completed. Additionally, there is a guest house, which we refer to as a holding centre, for visiting presidents, in addition to the other uses, he stated.

The Democratic Socialist Movement, a civil society movement, responded to the prize by calling it inconsiderate and pointless.

DSM claims that the award is just one more indication of the administration of President Bola Tinubu’s lack of commitment in cutting the expense of government.

In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, the group’s national secretary, Peluola Adewale, stated, “It is generally about Tinubu’s government.” He has Nigerians to tighten our belts, but he doesn’t give a damn about us because he still lives in luxury. He keeps up his opulent lifestyle.

While the mass of people are suffering from hunger and poverty, we shouldn’t overlook the billions of naira spent on luxuries like a new plane and the renovation of the vice presidential house. Tinubu’s anti-poor, pro-rich policies demonstrate his lack of concern for the people.

“The N9.8 billion presidential wing rehabilitation contract is frivolous, insensitive, and out of priority.”

The project’s need was also questioned by the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, which called it another “unnecessary project.”

“The Tinubu administration prioritises a lavish lifestyle over the welfare of the people, while people are starving and dying because they lack the funds to purchase food and medications,” stated Emmanuel Olowu, the CDHR Chairman in Osun State.