Residents sabotaging projects in Abuja by demanding more compensations – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused some Abuja residents of deliberately frustrating government projects by making repeated demands for compensation, despite already receiving settlements years ago.

Speaking during his monthly media chat on Wednesday, Wike expressed concerns over the activities of some indigenous inhabitants who, according to him, were trying to obstruct key infrastructure projects under the guise of seeking additional compensation and relocation benefits.

He explained that many affected residents had already been compensated by the federal government, citing the example of Kpaduma in Asokoro, where payments were made over two decades ago.

However, despite this, some individuals were still insisting on fresh compensations before allowing development projects to proceed.

“Compensations were paid years ago. I can tell you that. For instance, in Kpaduma, near where I live in Asokoro, compensation was given over 20 years ago. But the government has not been able to relocate them. Now that we want to develop the area, they are returning to demand another round of compensation,” Wike stated.

He also dismissed claims that the compensations given were inadequate, stating that the FCT Administration (FCTA) had, in some cases, paid amounts higher than what was originally stipulated by law.

According to Wike, while the government remains committed to providing compensation and relocation where necessary, it will not succumb to undue pressure or unrealistic demands.

He made it clear that the administration would only build new houses for affected communities if an entire settlement was being relocated, not in cases where a few structures needed to be removed for road projects.

“The idea that we must construct alternative houses for people when only 20 houses are affected along a road corridor is not realistic. If an entire community is being relocated, that’s different. But when road expansion affects a few structures, we will compensate and relocate as required by law,” he explained.

Wike also reaffirmed the government’s determination to complete ongoing projects in the FCT, including road expansions and urban renewal initiatives. He urged residents to cooperate with contractors and refrain from actions that could delay or sabotage the projects.

“We are not here to bring hardship to anybody but to improve the lives of the people. Development requires sacrifices. Residents should support contractors working on road projects so they can be completed on time. When the rains come, the same people complaining now will blame the government for delays,” Wike added.

The minister further disclosed that several key projects, including the 15-kilometer Outer Southern Expressway, the Life Camp-Karmo dual carriageway, and the renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC), were progressing well and set for commissioning in May.

He called on traditional rulers, youth leaders, and other stakeholders to support the government’s efforts, emphasizing that the success of the FCT’s development agenda depended on collective responsibility and cooperation.