The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has assured residents whose properties may be affected by ongoing road expansion projects in Abuja of fair compensation and transparent procedures. This announcement came on Monday during his inspection of the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District and access roads, including the Shehu Shagari Expressway and RR1 interchange.
Speaking to journalists, Wike emphasized the government’s commitment to following due process while executing infrastructural projects in the nation’s capital. He reassured the public that affected residents would not be left to bear the costs alone.
“Relocation and compensation will be handled according to due process. We will ensure that all affected residents are fairly compensated for any property acquired for the road project,” he stated.
A Call for Community Cooperation
During his remarks, the minister also appealed to the local community to embrace the developmental initiatives, highlighting the benefits these projects would bring.
“Imagine how it was and see how it is now. When it is finished with streetlights everywhere, it will benefit them,” Wike said, gesturing towards ongoing construction work in the vicinity.
The projects, including the road expansions and the installation of modern infrastructure such as streetlights, are designed to address congestion and improve connectivity within the FCT. Wike highlighted the government’s broader agenda of urban renewal and infrastructural advancement, aimed at positioning Abuja as a model capital city.
Striking a Balance: Development vs. Displacement
The inspection comes amidst concerns from some residents about losing their homes or businesses to the government’s urban renewal projects. Experts have noted that urban redevelopment often presents a dilemma of balancing infrastructure growth with the socio-economic welfare of displaced individuals.
Urban renewal in the FCT is not a new phenomenon. Previous administrations initiated various projects aimed at expanding roads and decongesting the city, but these efforts were often criticized for inadequate compensation schemes and lack of consultation with affected communities. Wike’s assurance of fairness and due process appears to address these longstanding concerns.
Professor Shola Adebayo, an urban development analyst, explained the challenges: “Balancing development and people’s livelihoods is complex. If the minister’s promise of fair compensation is fulfilled, it could set a new benchmark for how urban projects are implemented in Nigeria.”
Wike’s Record Under Scrutiny
The Monday inspection also served as an opportunity for Wike to comment on his performance since assuming office. However, he refrained from giving himself a performance appraisal, stating, “We have a presidential monitoring team, and they will evaluate our performance. But I am delighted with what the government has achieved in the FCT.”
Wike’s tenure has been marked by ambitious goals to revitalize Abuja’s infrastructure, improve service delivery, and tackle urban challenges. Analysts and residents have had mixed reactions to his style and pace of work, but the minister remains optimistic about meeting the expectations of the presidency and citizens.
Historical Context of Abuja Development
Abuja, which became Nigeria’s capital in 1991, was planned to be a showcase of urban design and functionality. However, the city’s rapid population growth and underinvestment in infrastructure have led to persistent challenges, including traffic gridlock, inadequate housing, and urban sprawl.
Over the years, several road expansion projects have been launched to ease movement and improve the city’s aesthetics. Unfortunately, the forced acquisition of properties has often led to disputes and accusations of government insensitivity. Experts believe Wike’s approach, if executed as promised, could foster a more collaborative atmosphere between residents and the authorities.
