The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, on Monday supervised the demolition of structures obstructing the construction of the Arterial Road N16 in Gishiri village, Katampe District, Abuja.
Addressing the press at the site, Wike emphasized that residents had been served eviction notices and were fully informed about the necessity of their cooperation. He noted that the demolition was essential to enable the contractor, Messrs CGC, to complete the road project and hand it over by the end of May.
Despite being granted a one-week extension at the request of the village chief, the affected residents rejected the government’s offer of compensation and relocation assistance, delaying the project’s progress. The Minister lamented that such resistance hindered a critical infrastructure project meant to serve the public interest.
“This road project is not about private development but for the public good,” Wike stated. “No government will fold its arms and allow people to sabotage a project of this magnitude.”
Wike’s direct involvement in the demolition exercise, he explained, was to send a strong message that the FCT Administration would no longer tolerate obstruction of public works.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to resettling the displaced residents, Wike urged them to engage with the FCT Department of Resettlement and Compensation to finalize their relocation. He maintained that ample time had been given for compliance and that the government could not halt an essential project for a few individuals.
“Enough time has been given. Are we going to stop a crucial project because of a few people? No,” he said. “We have provided compensation and an alternative relocation site, but they have refused. That does not mean the work will stop.”
The demolition marks a significant step in ensuring the timely completion of the Arterial Road N16, a major infrastructure project aimed at improving road connectivity in Abuja.
