Gishiri Demolition: Wike Doubles Compensation To N1.3bn
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has given the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) one week to allocate land for the resettlement of Gishiri village residents displaced by demolition.
He also announced an increase in the compensation amount by doubling the initial amount to N1.3b.
The directive came during Wike’s visit to the community on Wednesday, following tensions over the allocation of resettlement land and compensation payments.
THE WHISTLER reports that the dispute escalated when community members accused FCDA officials of attempting to relocate them to swampy, unsuitable land different from what the minister had approved.
In response to the concerns, Wike confronted FCDA’s Director of Land, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, demanding immediate action.
After he was informed that officials were waiting for his approval before distributing plots, Wike said, “I don’t agree with you, and this should be the last time I will hear this complaint. I give you people one week. Go and allocate the land to the affected persons. If it is not enough, we will find another alternative. All this grammar, grammar, grammar, I don’t want to hear it.”
The minister also directed the Director of Resettlement and Compensation, Nasiru Suleiman, to begin payments immediately.
Initially, the FCT administration had set aside N655m for compensation.
But citing current economic hardship, Wike doubled the amount to ensure every affected resident received twice what was originally planned.
He also warned community leaders that, “If you don’t take the money, I will not give you the land again. Go and collect the money so that when you get the land, you will start developing it.”
The development comes after the demolition of 455 houses and structures in Gishiri, Katampe District, to pave the way for a road project.
Gishiri Demolition: Wike Doubles Compensation To N1.3bn is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
