DSA PROJECT
Nigeria
23 Months
100% Completed
Project Background
M-P Infrastructure Limited (MPI) was awarded the contract in 2021 to design and construct the Incubation and Innovation Centre for the Defence Space Administration (DSA), a critical institution at the forefront of Nigeria’s defence technology and space research. The award of this contract signified the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing indigenous capacity in innovation, research, and technological development within the defence sector. The project commenced with a comprehensive design and approval phase, which lasted for a period of 10 weeks. During this phase, MPI collaborated extensively with stakeholders from the DSA to develop architectural and engineering plans that adhered strictly to the client's functional requirements, technical standards, and security specifications.
This process included multiple reviews and revisions to ensure all aspects of the facility aligned with the strategic objectives of the Defence Space Administration. The design was officially approved upon successful validation that it met all required specifications. Subsequently, in June 2021, a formal contract was signed between MPI and the client, signaling the transition from design to execution and the beginning of full-scale construction work. MPI immediately mobilized manpower, materials, and equipment to the site, initiating the construction of what would become a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to incubation, innovation, and advanced research.
The total contract value for the project was set at N500 million, covering all facets of work including structural construction, electrical and mechanical installations, finishing, and the integration of modern technological infrastructure to support innovation activities. Once completed, the Incubation and Innovation Centre is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting research and development initiatives, fostering local innovation, and enhancing Nigeria's technological resilience in the defence and space domains.
Project Objectives
The project objectives were derived from the client brief.To create a world class facility that would serve as a hub for the strategic planning and training of senior military officers.The facility also provided, leisure and recreation for officers.A portion of the facility provided residency for officers and a lodge for the DSA Chief.It incorporated a work space, study rooms and restaurant, a gym hall and massage rooms.All listed objectives were fully surpassed at the project commissioning.The project was commissioned by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa on the 23rd November 2023.
Project Constrains / Problems
Undervalued/measured BOQ
Uncaptured work items on BOQ but reflected on drawings
Unrealistic project duration presented to client at the planning phase.
Lack of clarity/definite statement on some work scope. Examples are in wall screeding, connection of the completed facility to power and water source.
Most military projects do not entertain variation after contract signing. This became obvious during the implementation.
The structural Engineer was mostly unavailable when he was needed to provide clarity on design issues or when additional details were required.
Undocumented verbal agreement during meetings leading to the award of the contract could not be substantiated during critical times. The client simply denied and the onus to prove was on us.
Uneconomical structural design.
Site was abandoned by the SBC responsible for the POP and screeding because the BOQ for the work items had discrepancies at implementation. Over four (4) weeks was lost before another SBC was engaged for the same activity.
A procurement officer must take charge of all procurement activities in fairly huge project.
Project Sucess
The project objectives were derived from the client brief.To create a world class facility that would serve as a hub for the strategic planning and training of senior military officers.The facility also provided, leisure and recreation for officers.A portion of the facility provided residency for officers and a lodge for the DSA Chief.It incorporated a work space, study rooms and restaurant, a gym hall and massage rooms.All listed objectives were fully surpassed at the project commissioning.The project was commissioned by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa on the 23rd November 2023.
Project Impact
Time lines were negatively impacted. This led to project extension.
Profit margins became slimmer or sometimes non-existence.
Valuable time were lost undertaking reconciliations and unwarranted meetings.
Recommendations
Every work scope most be captured in details to avoid conflict on site.
All verbal agreement must be documented and signed off by both parties.
Future military projects must be negotiated with fine margins as military projects do not entertain variations. Contractors are also coerced into undertaking additional responsibilities which are outside project scope.
Structural designs must be economic.
Our structural design priorities should emphasis more functionality with aesthetics complimenting functionality.
Procurement officers must be involved on site of fairly huge projects. This gives the site Engineer more time for quality delivery which are his core responsibilities
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