The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, took charge of the demolition of structures in the Gishiri community, Katampe District, Abuja, after residents refused to accept compensation and relocate. The demolition exercise is part of an ongoing road project aimed at improving traffic flow in the city, but the residents’ refusal to cooperate with the government has delayed the project.
Mr. Wike explained that the buildings being demolished were constructed on a designated road corridor for the construction of a new dual carriageway. The road project, which is part of the Federal Government’s plan to enhance the road infrastructure in Abuja, will extend from Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway, by the NICON Junction, to Wole Soyinka Way. The new road is expected to be completed by May 2025.
The minister revealed that the government had made provisions for the relocation of the affected residents, including compensation and a new site for them to move to. Despite these efforts, many of the residents had refused to accept the compensation and relocate, making it impossible for the contractor to continue with the work. According to Wike, the failure to relocate was hindering the completion of the project, which is vital for improving the transportation network in Abuja.
Wike recalled that several meetings had been held with community leaders to address the issue and ensure cooperation with the government. He mentioned that the government had offered compensation funds, and a relocation site had been provided to the affected residents. However, despite assurances from the government, the residents refused to comply.
“I have been here more than four times,” the minister stated. “We have sat down with the community leaders and told them the need to cooperate with the government so that the contractor will be able to complete the project and hand it over by May.”
Despite the government’s efforts, the minister explained that work on the project had not progressed as expected due to the residents’ refusal to vacate the area. He said that community leaders had initially asked for an additional week to resolve the matter, but after more than three months of discussions, no significant progress had been made.
“We made available the money for compensation and somewhere they can relocate, but with all these assurances, it does appear that work is not going on,” Wike said. “I informed the traditional rulers that this work has to go on. Enough is enough.”
Wike’s statement was clear: the government would not allow a few individuals to sabotage an important project intended to benefit the larger public. He expressed his frustration with the situation, pointing out that the land was not being acquired for personal gain but for the public good. The government had made every effort to ensure the affected residents were properly compensated and relocated, but their refusal to cooperate was now delaying the project, which is crucial for easing traffic congestion in the capital city.
“I have been away in Milan, Italy, but I called the community leaders. I am going to personally supervise this demolition, and that’s what I came here to do,” the minister said. “Let them know that it is not going to be business as usual.”
The demolition of the structures in Gishiri is part of the government’s commitment to ensuring that the road project moves forward. Wike made it clear that the government could not allow a few individuals to disrupt the development of the city.
“We have given them more than enough time,” Wike said. “Are we going to say because of a few people, the government will not do its work?”
While the demolition was taking place, some of the affected residents reacted angrily. Witnesses reported that a group of residents threw stones at the bulldozers and other demolition equipment in protest. The resistance was a sign of the frustration felt by those whose homes and businesses were being destroyed. However, despite the protests, the minister remained firm in his decision, insisting that the demolition was necessary to allow the road project to move forward.
For months, the government had tried to engage with the community and encourage the residents to accept the compensation and relocate. Wike mentioned that the director of compensation and resettlement would continue to consult with the community to find a feasible solution for those who still needed assistance. However, the minister made it clear that the government had done everything it could to accommodate the residents, and it would not allow their refusal to hold up the project any longer.
“If they don’t want it, it is their business,” Wike stated bluntly. “We have done what was humanly possible, and we will move on.”
The demolition and the ongoing road project highlight some of the challenges faced by the Federal Government in carrying out large-scale infrastructure projects in Nigeria. Often, land acquisition and relocation of affected residents become major hurdles in the timely completion of such projects. In this case, the refusal of the Gishiri community to relocate, despite compensation and provisions made for their resettlement, has caused significant delays in the road project that could ease traffic congestion in Abuja.
As one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing cities, Abuja faces major traffic challenges, with an increasing population and growing numbers of vehicles on the road. The dual carriageway being constructed from Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway to Wole Soyinka Way is part of the government’s plan to alleviate these problems and improve the overall road network in the city. However, delays in construction due to issues like the one in Gishiri make it difficult for the government to meet its deadlines and address the needs of the public.
The outcome of this situation could serve as a case study for future infrastructure projects in Nigeria, particularly in cities like Abuja, where land acquisition and resettlement often become contentious issues. For now, the government remains committed to completing the road project and ensuring that the benefits of improved transportation reach all residents of the city.
