21-story-building tallest in the downside of Niger:
The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared that its 21-storey-building structure also known as the Dakkada Tower is the tallest in the downside of Niger.
It said that the project currently at 90% completion and would soon be commissioned in three months.
The Commissioner for Special duties, Mr Okpolupm Etteh disclosed this on Wednesday while meeting with members House Committee on Special Projects, Monitoring / Implementation and Aviation Development during an oversight function in Uyo.
Etteh stated that the 21-storey-building also recognize as Dakkada Tower (Intelligence Building) is well equipped with up-to-date facilities as well as level space of about 600 square meters at each of the floors.
He said that over 60 percent of investors and some companies have expressed interest including NNPC and DPR for office space and that close to five floors have been booked already.
The Commissioner, who noted that the project would boost the internally generating revenue of the state, said that government cannot invest its huge resources on project that cannot maximize profits.
He said that as the state is expecting influx of companies, the security apparatus would be strengthened to provide conducive and comfortable environment for business.
“This is the tallest building in the downside of the Niger, the best of its kind is almost ready for commissioning and commencement of businesses.
“We will take maximum of three months to put in the finishing touches and another one month to test-run all the electricals and mechanical installations.
“On the commercial aspects of this building, I can authoritatively say that right now we have more than 60% tenants and I still have expression of interest on my desk.
“NNPC and DPR have booked close to five floors because they want to move critical departments down”,he said.
In response, the Chairman of the committee and Member representing Ibesikpo state constituency, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko commended the Commissioner on delivering on the mandate in which he was entrusted with.
Uko, who also praised Governor Udom Emmanuel led administration for putting in the available resources for the completion of the Tower amidst the current economic reality, noted that the edifice would bring the international community into the state.
Also, The House Leader, Rt. Hon. (Sir) Udo kierian Akpan in his comment applauded the Commissioner for Special Duties for effectively supervising of this gigantic project turning what looks like an graphic work to reality and urged that the tempo for completion should be sustained .
Meanwhile, Member representing Itu State Constituency, Kufreabasi Edidem in his submission solicited for the development and training of our youths to prepare them in having a vital position in the Dakada Towers and other projects.
As part of their oversight function, the team also visited the international worship center and the airport terminal where they expressed satisfaction over the nearly completion of the projects, adding that the administration would certainly complete its projects before the end of its tenure.
At the Ecumerical Intetnational Worship Center where they were received by the supervising Commissioner, Arc. Ime Ekpo who took them round the 8.6 hecters and 5,500 capacity seaters worship said this structure is the tallest so far.
In response, Rt. Hon Aniekan Uko describes worship centre as Udom’s Art as the edifice portray the one built by Noah in the Bible.
At the International terminal of the Arc. (Obong) victor Attah Int’l airport, the committee were received by the Special Duties Commissioner alongside with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Uwemedimo Udosen who is also the Director of Implementation
Mr Udosen Briefed that the terminal when completed will undertake both International and Domestic flights.
The terminal is situated on a 23,OOO Square meter, 183 lenght and 177 weight with four(4)escalators that envisgae one million passengers in ten years.
After being satisfied with the ongoing projects in the State, the Chairman House Committee thanked the State Government for taking pains to continue this gigantic projects despite this Pandemic that is affecting every sector of the economy . He also thanked the management of VKS and Julius Berger for working tirelessly to ensure the completion of the projects.
