The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to ensuring fair compensation for all owners of structures recently demolished along the Arterial Road N16 corridor in Gishiri community, Katampe District, Abuja.
Speaking during a meeting with affected residents, led by the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Maikalangu, on Monday, March 17, 2024, Wike emphasized that the demolition exercise was undertaken in the interest of public good and urban development.
Acknowledging the hardship caused by the exercise, Wike disclosed that the initial compensation budget of ₦655 million had been increased to ₦1.3 billion to alleviate the economic impact on affected individuals. He assured residents that the compensation was being handled transparently, in line with government valuation standards.
“There is no intention to make anyone suffer,” Wike said. “The essence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is the Renewed Hope agenda. We are committed to fairness, and due process has been followed in determining compensation.”
The Minister also condemned any form of discrimination in compensation payments, particularly between indigenous and non-indigenous residents. He warned against denying rightful payments based on ethnicity or residency status.
“If I have property and a road is passing through it, why should I not be compensated? There is nowhere in the world where people are classified as non-indigenes when it comes to property ownership,” he asserted.
Wike further directed officials to immediately disburse full compensation to all eligible beneficiaries, warning against any malpractice. “Go and pay them their money—the exact amount,” he ordered.
Addressing concerns raised by HRH Bala Akusu, Chief of Gishiri village, Wike expressed disappointment over alleged resistance to the project. He reminded the community of prior agreements and stressed the urgency of completing the Arterial Road N16 project by May 2024.
“We cannot allow threats or actions that disrupt peace,” he stated. “Development must continue, and we are doing everything with a human face.”
A representative of the Gishiri youth group, Adamu Godwin Umar, thanked the Minister for his intervention but raised concerns about the relocation site, describing it as swampy and unsuitable. In response, Wike promised to personally inspect the proposed location on Wednesday to ensure its suitability.
He urged all stakeholders, including traditional rulers and community leaders, to support the project and work collaboratively towards the transformation of Abuja into a world-class city.
