FCTA to Pay N1.1bn Compensation for Structures Along Kuje Corridor – FCT Minister Wike
By Juliet Vincent
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has said that the FCT Administration will pay a compensation package of N1.1 billion for the structures affected by the ongoing construction of the FCT Highway 105, from the Airport Expressway to Kuje township.
The FCT Minister disclosed in Abuja on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, when he addressed journalists shortly after he inspected the road to ascertain the structures affected by the road construction exercise for which compensation is to be paid.
This was contained in a statement by Anthony Ogunleye, Director of Press in the Office of the Minister
He said a report on the valuation of the properties had been prepared and assured that he would immediately approve the payment of the compensation to ensure that the road project was not delayed.
The FCT Minister said, “I have come here to see for myself the report on the valuation of what was supposed to be paid as compensation. When I got the file for approval, I said it would be proper for me to go and see for myself the kind of structures that we are going to pay for. So, I’m happy with what I have seen, and I will immediately approve it so that we can start doing the compensation so that the work will not be delayed.
“If I remember vividly, the entire estimate they gave is about N1.1 billion to pay for those whose properties were affected, like some of these buildings you see here, down to the community. It’s about N1.1 billion, and we will make it available so that the contractor will not find any excuse for delay”.
Bar. Wike, who earlier inspected the ongoing construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal Complex and the access road to the project in Dakibiyu, Jabi District, also expressed satisfaction at the pace and quality of work on the project and assured of its completion by September next year.
He said, “I’m very impressed with what we saw this afternoon. It’s progressing as expected. By the grace of God, we believe by September next year, the contractor would have handed over the structure, which is the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal. I’m very much impressed with what I’ve seen.
“I can also see the construction of the road leading to that edifice, and the contractor is doing everything possible to ensure that he meets the time. So, one is impressed with what we have seen”.
Also speaking on his approval of the payment of the new minimum wage to FCTA workers, the Minister said it fulfills the Federal Government’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to increase workers’ wages.
He expressed the belief that the increment in workers’ salaries will boost their morale and stressed that more work is also expected from the Workers to achieve the mandate of the FCT Administration.
The Minister said, “First of all, it is the commitment made by the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda that the workers’ wages should be increased, and in line with that, we have also adopted it and have also approved for the payment of the arrears as agreed with Labour.
“I expect that the workers will also see this as a boost and be more committed for us to achieve the development that is required in the city. So, workers should see that more work is expected from you now that money has been paid”.
