By Daniel Tyokua
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has directed the department of Resettlement and Compensation, Federal Capital Territory Administration to pay those affected by the ongoing road projects in some parts of the territory.
Wike directed the department to ensure that within the next two days the affected community members should be settled to pave way for the roads construction before next rainy season.
He stated this on Monday , during inspection of some of the roads under construction at Lifecamp junction ancillary road to Ring road 3, and rehabilitation of the International Conference Centre.
Wike expressed hope about the progress of the projects and their expected timelines for completion.
The Minister highlighted the quality of the work and the positive reactions from local residents.
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 timeframe, which is next year May. We are happy with that commitment,” he added.
The minister also addressed the need for the rehabilitation of the International Conference Centre, saying 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 emphasized 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 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 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.”
