The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the leadership of Honourable Minister Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has assured both indigenous and non-indigenous residents of the Gishiri community in Abuja that they will receive fair compensation following the demolition of structures along the Arterial Road N16. The FCTA minister made this pledge on Monday, March 17, 2024, during a meeting with affected community members, led by the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Maikalangu.
The meeting, which was held at the Minister’s official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, provided an opportunity for the government to address the concerns of residents who were impacted by the demolition exercise. The exercise was part of the broader efforts to complete the Arterial Road N16, a crucial infrastructure project aimed at improving Abuja’s road network and enhancing the city’s development.
Minister Wike emphasized that the demolition of structures in the Gishiri community, which led to the destruction of numerous properties, was a necessary step for the public good. According to him, the goal of the project is to open up Abuja and enhance its status as a world-class city, thereby benefiting all residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“There is no intention to suffer anybody,” Minister Wike assured the residents. “Government is for the people. No government comes to say, ‘I want to suffer these people.’ It’s not possible, and we can’t do that.”
The Minister also highlighted the broader vision of the Tinubu administration, which is committed to restoring hope and fostering inclusive development in Nigeria. “The essence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is the Renewed Hope. People have lost hope in this country, and he said, ‘Look, I’m going to bring back that hope,’” Wike explained. “So, let nobody have at the back of his or her mind that our intention is to suffer you.”
One of the key issues addressed during the meeting was the compensation for those affected by the demolitions. The Minister revealed that the initial compensation budget of N655 million had been increased to N1.3 billion to mitigate the financial impact on the affected residents.
“We have increased the compensation amount to N1.3 billion to ensure that those affected are fairly compensated,” Wike stated. He further explained that the compensation rates were based on government valuation standards and that due process was followed to ensure fairness and transparency throughout the process.
The Minister made it clear that the government would not discriminate against anyone, regardless of whether they were indigenous or non-indigenous. “There is nowhere in this world that there are non-indigenes,” Wike said, stressing that all property owners, regardless of their background, would receive the full compensation they are entitled to. “If I have a property and the road is passing there, why would you not pay me my money? Why would you say I am a non-indigene?”
Wike also directed the relevant officials to ensure that the compensation payments were made fairly and without any form of malpractice. He warned against any attempts to underpay or withhold funds from eligible property owners.
“Go and pay them their money and the exact amount,” the Minister ordered, emphasizing that no one should be shortchanged in the process.
During the meeting, several concerns were raised by the affected residents. A representative from the Gishiri youth group, Adamu Godwin Umar, thanked the Minister for his support but also raised an issue regarding the proposed relocation site. According to Umar, the area earmarked for relocation was a swampy location, which posed potential health and safety risks for residents.
In response, Minister Wike promised to visit the proposed relocation area on Wednesday, March 19, 2024, to assess the situation firsthand. He assured the residents that their concerns would be taken into account when finalizing the relocation plans.
The Minister also addressed concerns about reports of uncooperative behavior from traditional leaders in the community, particularly HRH Bala Akusu, the Chief of Gishiri. Wike expressed disappointment over the lack of cooperation from the chief, especially after prior discussions and agreements had been made.
“We cannot allow people to take laws into their hands,” the Minister warned, stressing that threats or actions that disrupted peace and development would not be tolerated. “I’m here to help you and support you. Mr. President has said, ‘Look, do this thing, but in doing it, give them a human face.’ But giving it a human face does not mean that the job will not go on.”
Wike called for peaceful cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the Arterial Road N16 project. He emphasized that the FCTA’s commitment to inclusive development was reflected in the appointments of indigenous residents to key government positions, including the Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries.
“We have given you the Head of Service, we have given you Permanent Secretaries, which has never happened. Instead of you to rally round to support this government in what they are doing, you are issuing threats,” Wike said, urging the Gishiri community to support the government’s efforts.
The Minister also reiterated the FCTA’s commitment to improving the living conditions of residents in satellite towns and ensuring the provision of essential services like water to these areas. He stressed the importance of cooperation and understanding as the FCTA works to complete the infrastructural projects that will benefit the entire FCT.
