By Excellence Oseose
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate demolition of about 30 buildings allegedly encroaching on the Right of Way of the Ring Road 3 project in Abuja.
Wike gave the directive on Thursday during an inspection tour of ongoing road infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory.
The affected structures were identified along the Ring Road 3 corridor linking Karsana, Gwarinpa and the Kubwa axis of the FCT.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Dauda, who briefed the Minister during the inspection, said the structures were standing directly on the infrastructure alignment.
Dauda explained that work on the foundation of the bridge along the corridor was progressing despite challenges posed by the rocky terrain.
He, however, disclosed that about 30 buildings had encroached on the master plan layout designated for Ring Road 3, which connects to the Airport Road.
Wike, who expressed displeasure over the development, immediately directed officials of the Department of Development Control to commence action on the affected structures.
The Minister stressed that private developments would not be allowed to obstruct critical public infrastructure or undermine the Abuja Master Plan.
During the inspection, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on several ongoing road projects and commended the contractors handling the projects for their performance.
Among the contractors commended were China Construction Engineering Design and Research Institute Corporation Limited (CCC), Lubrik Construction Company and Danemiki.
He also inspected the Mpape bypass cut, where land reclamation work is being undertaken to address severe gully erosion, as well as the Arterial Road N16 and the newly awarded Kaba-Zaudna-Kagini Road.
Wike expressed optimism that the ongoing infrastructure projects would significantly transform the road network in the nation’s capital and contribute to an infrastructure turnaround before the end of the year.
The Minister also addressed security concerns arising from reports of late-night armed robbery in some parts of the FCT.
He dismissed claims of a widespread escalation in violent crime, saying reports from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) did not support such assertions.
According to him, security agencies remain vigilant and are responding to isolated criminal incidents across the Territory.
Wike also criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over comments concerning the restoration of fuel subsidy, describing him as a “voodoo economist” and arguing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains the leading political candidate in the country.
The Minister defended the removal of fuel subsidy, saying it had freed resources that are now being shared among the federal, state and local governments.
He said the additional resources had helped governments address challenges including unpaid salaries and pensions.
On complaints about the perceived pace of development at the Area Council level, Wike urged residents to hold their elected council chairmen accountable for municipal development.
He noted that Area Council chairmen are democratically elected officials and not presidential appointees, adding that residents should engage them directly on issues affecting their communities.