Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Monday that the administration of President Bola Tinubu will not derive pleasure in displacing people in Abuja but will ensure justice for all.
“We are not here to displace anyone unjustly,” Minister Wike
told traditional chiefs and representatives of the Kpaduma and Guzape communities in Abuja.
The Minister had called the meeting to discuss the ongoing road construction project and the concerns raised regarding the evacuation of affected villagers.
There has been growing tension surrounding the continued presence of residents in areas marked for development, particularly for the major road infrastructure intended to ease traffic and boost connectivity within the FCT.
According to a statement by Rabi Musa, Assistant Director of press in the Minister’s office, Wike said “We will ensure your people are properly compensated and given legal documents for their new homes. This is about building a better Abuja for all.”
The Minister who, however, clarified that compensation would be paid for only the structures along the road corridor and not the entire community, directed that the compensation package should be doubled to ensure fairness.
“I have told the Director of Resettlement to go and make a valuation. But the rate you people are using is too small. Increase their rate. If they are earning N50, give them N100”, the Minister stressed.
Minister Wike reiterated that every affected individual would be duly compensated and that the Right of Occupancy (R of Os) for new resettlement areas would be provided without delay, as was the case with the Gishiri community in Katampe district.
Wike also acknowledged the deep-rooted attachment the communities have to their ancestral lands but appealed for understanding, noting that the government’s development efforts must sometimes involve difficult decisions.
In response, the traditional leaders of Kpaduma and Guzape, led by the Sapeyi of Garki, Alhaji Usman Nga Kupi, expressed their appreciation to the FCT Minister for his transparency and willingness to engage them directly.
Acknowledging the development benefits the road project would bring to the area, the traditional leaders unanimously agreed to cooperate with the evacuation and resettlement process.
“We are grateful for the Honourable Minister’s assurance and the respect shown to our people. We will support this effort in the interest of peace and progress”, the Sapeyi remarked.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with both parties committing to ongoing dialogue and collaboration to ensure a smooth and respectful transition for all affected families.
Also present during the meeting were, the Chairman, of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Christopher Maikalangu, the Executive Secretary, of FCDA, Engineer Richard Yunana Dauda, and other senior officials of the FCT administration.
