FCT Minister Visits West Africa’s Largest Quarry, Urges Reduction in Construction Costs

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, paid a significant visit to the Zeberced Limited Quarry, West Africa’s largest quarry, located in the Kubwa District of Abuja. The visit, at the invitation of the Managing Director of Zeberced Group, Ayden Adil Kurt, marked an important moment in the FCT’s efforts to streamline construction costs and support local industry.

During the tour, Wike expressed his admiration for the extensive industrial activities at the site, which include the production of gravel, stone dust, and asphalt. He lauded the company’s commitment to producing essential raw materials locally, contributing to the reduction of reliance on imports. “This factory, being the largest quarry in West Africa, showcases the immense potential of local industries. It’s incredible that these materials, critical for construction, are being produced right here in the FCT,” the Minister said.

Wike questioned why contractors continue to quote exorbitant prices for construction projects within the FCT, despite the availability of these materials locally. “The cost of construction should not be as high as it is when the essential raw materials are readily available here. Contractors often cite high costs for aggregates, but these are produced locally, not imported,” he noted, urging contractors to adjust their pricing to reflect the availability of resources.

Despite his praise for the company, Barr. Wike raised concerns about the environmental impact of the quarry’s operations. However, he acknowledged that Zeberced Limited has met the required environmental standards, as confirmed by the company’s environmental impact assessment. “I am reassured by the Managing Director that the company has adhered to the approved environmental standards, which is crucial for sustainable operations,” he added.

In addition to the quarry operations, Wike commended Zeberced Group for its ongoing efforts to expand the access road to the Abuja Industrial Park, located at the Idu Industrial District, and pledged the FCT Administration’s full support for the project. “We will provide all the necessary support for the Industrial Park at Idu. I have already sent a letter to the Ministry of Finance to facilitate tax credit approvals, enabling the expansion of the carriageway,” the Minister said, referencing a related project currently being undertaken by Salini Construction Company.

The Managing Director of Zeberced Group, Ayden Adil Kurt, highlighted the quarry’s impressive production capacity of 3,000 tons per hour. He expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit and assured the FCT administration of the company’s commitment to supporting local construction projects.

Wike was accompanied on the tour by Hon. Felix Obuah, the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, and other senior officials from the FCT Administration. The visit underscores the FCT Minister’s drive to enhance the infrastructure development landscape in the capital, while encouraging cost-effective and sustainable practices across the construction industry.

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