Senate President David Mark on Monday in Abuja laid the foundation stone for?the construction of the N51 billion National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS) Village in Abuja.
Located on?the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Way,?the institute, to be?built?by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is expected to be completed within?24 months.
In his address at the earth-breaking?ceremony, Mark urged the contractor to fulfil its own side of the deal by completing the project?on schedule.
He said that on completion, the institute was expected to boost?training and research as well as advocacy in?legislative business at the federal, state and local government levels.
Mark, who warned that he would not be a party to a white-elephant project, appealed to Julius Berger not to stop work even if the National Assembly did not fulfill its obligation.
“Very often we accuse the executive of not completing projects, I will not be a party to a white-elephant project.
“I will not lead any group that will be a party to a white-elephant project, therefore, this project must go on schedule.
“All the parties involved must honour their?sides to?the obligation.
“If for any reason, one side is not able to honour its obligation, Julius Berger must not stop work.
“We are men and women of honour and we are committed to this project. We know it is an expensive project because we want it to meet international standards.
“I have gone through the various drawings and we are satisfied that it meets international standards,” Mark said.
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.,?Mr Wolfgang Goetsch,?said that the company was proud to execute the construction of an institute that would have?influence on the development of the country’s?legislature.
He promised that standards and specifications would be adhered to in the delivery of the multi-billion naira project.
The managing director?said that the construction?project would generate?thousands of?jobs.
