The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has ordered the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to expedite and ensure complete compensation payments to residents impacted by the recent demolition in Gishiri. This directive was issued during a community meeting held at the minister’s official residence in Abuja.
The meeting was convened after a demolition exercise, overseen by the minister, aimed at clearing structures that obstruct the construction of the Arteria Road N16, which connects the Gishiri community with the Katampe District.
Community members raised concerns that the FCDA, specifically through the Department of Resettlement and Compensation, had only disbursed N72,000 in compensation, significantly less than the amount authorized by the Minister. They also reported that non-indigenous residents were entirely excluded from receiving any compensation despite losing their homes.
In response, the Minister has mandated the full disbursement of a revised compensation package totaling N1.3 billion for the affected residents, an increase from the previously approved amount of N655 million, taking into account current economic challenges.
Additionally, the Minister instructed officials to ensure that non-indigenous residents receive their rightful compensation, emphasizing that compensation should not be influenced by ethnicity. He stated, “Go and pay people their money, and the exact amount. If there are any irregularities, I will take action.”
“It is crucial to understand that the government does not compensate based on ethnicity, but rather on property ownership. Everyone deserves fair treatment,” he concluded, advocating for a fair and just approach to compensation for all affected residents.
