The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has promised that residents affected by the ongoing construction of Arterial Road N5—from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III—will receive appropriate compensation. Wike made this commitment during an inspection tour on Monday, where he reviewed progress at various project sites, including Life Camp, Katampe, and the International Conference Centre in Abuja.
This construction, which Wike inaugurated on October 25, involves a 4-kilometer, six-lane dual carriageway extending from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III near Ido-Gwari. The project is part of the government’s efforts to improve transportation infrastructure in the FCT, and it has garnered attention due to its impact on nearby properties and agricultural land.
After examining the construction’s impact, Wike acknowledged that the road expansion would affect several cash crops as well as a number of residential buildings along the planned corridor. Understanding the concerns of affected residents, he reassured them that the government is committed to addressing their losses, particularly those related to land, crops, and property.
According to Wike, in the next two days, the government will begin compensating the affected communities. Residents who own crops along the road corridor or who may lose their homes—or parts of their homes—will receive compensation. For those cases where relocation might be necessary, the government will take appropriate action to ensure affected individuals are adequately supported.
“What we went to do at Life Camp primarily involves addressing issues with crops and a small number of houses that need compensation. If relocation is necessary, we’ll proceed with it; if only compensation is required, we’ll ensure that is done, depending on what is feasible,” Wike explained.
The Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration with local communities to resolve any challenges arising from the project. He reiterated that the government’s priority is to work alongside these communities to find solutions that are fair and beneficial for all parties involved.
