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 construction projects, particularly concerning crops, would be addressed within the next two days.
Wike made this known on Monday when he conducted an inspection of ongoing road construction projects in Life Camp and Katampe Districts of Abuja, as well as the rehabilitation of the International Conference Center (ICC) in Abuja.
During his visit, Wike expressed optimism about the progress of the projects and their expected timelines for completion.
The roadworks in Life Camp were being executed by Julius Berger, a leading construction firm in Nigeria.
The Minister highlighted the quality of the work and the positive reactions from local residents.
In Katampe, where CGC is responsible for the construction job, 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 timeframe, which is next year May. We are happy with that commitment,” the minister added.
Wike also addressed the need for the rehabilitation of the International Conference Centre, recalling a previous incident when Nigeria faced embarrassment during the inauguration of the ECOWAS Parliament due to the subpar condition of the facility.
“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, April next year, they would 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, thereby positioning Nigeria as a respectable host for international events.
Wike concluded by outlining the government’s commitment to completing the projects by the second anniversary of President Tinubu 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 saying: “What we went to do at Life Camp has to do majorly with the crops, and then there are some small houses that we need to compensate.
“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.”
