From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has assured that the N1.1 billion compensation for owners of houses on the corridor of the ongoing FCT Highway 105, will be paid.
The road which will link the Airport Expressway to the Kuje township, is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
He made the disclosure during an inspection of the 11-kilometre road, which is a six-lane dualisation from the Airport Expressway to Kuje town junction, being executed by Arab Contractors.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and assured that the compensation will be paid immediately so the contractor will deliver the job as schedule.
“I am very impressed with what I have seen. You can also see the construction of the road leading to that area, and the contractor is also doing everything possible to see that he beats the time.
“So, one is really impressed with what we have seen. I have come here to see for myself the report on the valuation of what we are supposed to pay. When I got the files for approval, I said, look, it would be proper for me to see for myself the kind of structures that we are going to pay.
“So, I am happy with what I have seen. I will immediately approve it so that they can start paying the compensation so that the work will not be delayed.”
Asked the value of compensation to be paid, Wike said: “Well, if I remember vividly, the entire estimate they gave is about N1.1 billion, to pay for those whose properties are affected, like some of these buildings you have seen here, down to the community.
“So it’s about N1.1 billion and we are going to make it available so that the contractor will not find any excuse for delay.”
The minister who also toured the construction site of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal complex in Dakibiyu, Jabi District. He expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, stating, “By the grace of God, we believe that September next year, the contractor will have handed over the structure.”
The project which commenced in July was budgeted at N37 billion, but N30 billion approved for 2024, with completion expected in 13 months instead of the planned 16 months.
The complex will feature 10 courts and suites for justices, enhancing judicial infrastructure in Abuja.
Wike also reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing workers’ wages under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the approval of the new minimum wage of N70,000 for all administrative staff and payment of arrears was in fulfillment of agreed reached with labour unions.
“This increase is a commitment made by the federal government to uplift workers’ livelihoods.”
Wike expressed hope that this wage boost would inspire greater dedication among employees to contribute to the city’s development.
However, he cautioned against misinterpretations, clarifying that the wage increase implies an expectation for increased workloads. “Workers should not feel that now that money has been paid…oh, now that money has been paid, it means that more work is expected from you,” he emphasised.