FG To Refurbish Independence Building In Lagos

ABUJA, Nov 10, (THEWILL)- President Goodluck Jonathan has said the Federal Government will give a face-lift to the abandoned Independence Building in Lagos in order to make it a befitting historical edifice and national pride. Speaking with journalists shortly after inspecting the Independence Building and adjourning buildings in Lagos, Tuesday, President Jonathan said the Federal Government will not allow it's properties in the nation’s economic hub to rot, noting that valuable ones will be refurbished and put to productive use. "Some of the Federal Government’s properties in Lagos are in very poor state. We have to upgrade them, improve their face value, and put them to effective use," Jonathan stated. Consequently, the President has directed the Ministers of Works, Lands, Housing and Urban Development, and Commerce, to furnish him with the blue print for the renovation of the Independence Building by next Monday. The President who lamented the poor maintenance culture in the country especially with regard to public properties, said government would ensure that the building is restored to its former glory through public private partnership. The President also pointed out the need to develop adjourning properties around the Independence Building including the Cenotaph and the car park to international standard. He was accompanied during the inspection by Minister of Works, Sanusi Daggash; Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Nduese Essien; and Presidential aides. Recall that the Independence Building, situated adjacent to the famous Tafawa Balewa Square in Marina, Lagos and which once housed the Defence Headquarters, was strangely gutted by fire during the regime of former military head of state, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, the period that late head of state, Gen. Sani Abacha, was Chief of Defence Staff. The 25-storey edifice, now a shadow of its former self, was once the tallest building on the Lagos Island.