PROPERTY NEWS

THE Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) last week began the process for the relocation and reconstruction of the Abuja City Gate with the opening of bids for the re-design of the gate.

When completed, the FCT authorities say, the project will qualify for listing as a world heritage site by UNESCO, which would make it eligible to draw from the World Heritage Fund, a facility that can be applied for its subsequent maintenance.

Speaking at the opening of the bid, conducted at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, FCT Executive Secretary, Mohammed Al-Hassan, an engineer, explained that the present structure referred to as the City Gate was erected as a temporary ceremonial pavilion and entry point to mark the formal transfer of the seat of power from Lagos to Abuja in 1991.

Before last week's event, the FCT administration had conducted a two-stage international architectural design competition during which four firms qualified for invitation to make anonymous competition submissions for award of architectural consultancy services.

Although the cost of the project was not disclosed, it is expected to cost several billion naira as the authorities shortlisted two firms from the bids, of which a successful winner would be announced in two weeks.

He stressed that the administration, while considering the relocation of the City Gate, has been mindful of articulating an identifiable philosophy and concept for the design, which would symbolise the nation's identity, its heritage and cultural values through the creation of a unique monument for Abuja that would be recognised as a landmark worldwide.

Al-hassan, who was represented by Alhaji Kabiru, noted that the administration has also noted the need to create a functional centre that would be comprehensive enough in scope for FCT residents and other Nigerians to identify with.

"The FCT administration commenced activities towards relocating the existing city gate by constituting a committee to address the diverse issues and input requirements for the exercise. The committee was widely scoped in its composition to ensure inclusiveness in its recommendations, which the project requires," he said.

He disclosed that part of the recommendations accepted was the procurement of the architectural design through a competition that was open to international entries, adding that this was considered the most professionally appropriate option for such a landmark project.