KEY POINTS
- N1.1 billion approved for property owners affected by Kuje-Airport road expansion.
- New N70,000 minimum wage with arrears adopted for FCTA workers.
- Project supports federal infrastructure and labor welfare priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved N1.1 billion ($653,897) for compensation for property owners affected by the ongoing Kuje-Airport road expansion project.
The minister made the announcement Tuesday during an inspection tour to assess the project’s progress and ensure the timely resolution of potential bottlenecks.
“I wanted to see for myself the structures we are compensating for,” Wike told reporters. “The estimated total for compensation is about N1.1 billion, covering properties from here to the community. This funding will be made available to avoid any excuses for delays.”
Infrastructure priority
The compensation aligns with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure development and economic advancement.
The Kuje-Airport road expansion is critical to improving connectivity between Abuja’s urban centers and outlying communities, a goal Wike has underscored as pivotal to the FCT’s development strategy.
Workers’ welfare: minimum wage adjustment
In addition to the infrastructure commitments, Wike reaffirmed the federal government’s pledge to enhance workers’ welfare.
The FCT Administration (FCTA) has adopted the new N70,000 minimum wage for its staff, including the payment of three months’ arrears.
“This is part of the government’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to increase workers’ wages,” Wike said. “We expect that this boost will drive greater productivity and help us achieve the developmental goals needed for the city.”
Broader implications
Analysts note that the dual focus on infrastructure expansion and labor welfare reflects a balanced approach to governance.
While the Kuje-Airport road project underscores the government’s commitment to reducing congestion and improving transportation, the wage adjustments aim to foster a motivated workforce to support Abuja’s growth.
With funding secured, attention now turns to the timely execution of the road expansion, which remains a critical test of the government’s ability to deliver on its promises under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
