Wike To Compensate Residents Affected By Ongoing Road Constructions

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured residents of the FCT that compensation for community members affected by the road constructions, particularly concerning crops, would be addressed within the next two days.

Wike made this known yesterday when he inspected ongoing road construction projects in Life Camp and Katampe districts and the rehabilitation of the International Conference Center in Abuja.

During his visit, Wike expressed optimism about these projects‘ progress and expected completion timelines.

Julius Berger, a leading construction firm in Nigeria, is executing the roadworks in Life Camp.

The Minister highlighted the work‘s quality and the residents‘ positive reactions.

In Katampe, where CGC is responsible for the construction, Wike announced plans to extend the scope of the contract to establish a connection to N20.

“The contractors have agreed that they will still complete it even though it is an additional job at the same time frame, which is next year May. We are happy with that commitment,” he added.

The minister also addressed the need to rehabilitate the International Conference Centre, recalling a previous incident when Nigeria faced embarrassment during the inauguration of the ECOWAS Parliament due to the facility‘s subpar condition.

“Mr. President directed immediately that we must rehabilitate it to meet international standards. With what I‘ve seen Julius Berger doing, I am quite satisfied that by the grace of God, by April next year, they will have handed over this project, and it will be available for Nigerians to use,” he declared.

He emphasised that the upgraded International Conference Center would meet global standards, positioning Nigeria as a respectable host of international events.

Wike concluded by outlining the government‘s commitment to completing these projects by the second anniversary of Mr. President’s administration.

“We are working towards showcasing significant progress, and by the grace of God, many of these projects will be highlighted, reaffirming that a lot has been accomplished in Abuja within the last two years,” he said.

Regarding the compensation for affected individuals in Life Camp, Wike explained the process: “What we went to do at Life Camp has to do majorly with the crops, and then there are some tiny houses that we need to compensate for.

“If it requires relocating them, we will do so; if it requires just compensation, we will proceed accordingly. It depends on what is available. What is important to us is that we are working together with the various communities.“