FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has approved an increased compensation for the residents of Kpaduma and Guzape, who had been asked to evacuate their ancestral lands to pave way for ongoing road construction in the Abuja communities

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved an increased compensation package for residents of the Kpaduma and Guzape communities in Abuja.

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These residents are being asked to evacuate their ancestral lands to facilitate ongoing road construction projects.

Minister Wike made this concession during a meeting with traditional chiefs and representatives of the two communities.

The meeting was convened to address rising tensions over the continued presence of residents in areas designated for critical infrastructure, which aims to ease traffic congestion and boost connectivity within the FCT.

Wike assured the chiefs, led by the Sapeyi of Garki, Alhaji Usman Nga Kupi, of fairness.

He pledged that every affected individual would be duly compensated and that Rights of Occupancy (R of Os) for new resettlement areas would be provided without delay, drawing a parallel with the process in the Gishiri community in Katampe district.

If they are earning N50, give them N100.

“We are not here to displace anyone unjustly. This is about building a better Abuja for all. We will ensure your people are properly compensated and given legal documents for their new homes,” Wike stated.

However, the Minister clarified that compensation would only be paid for structures directly along the road corridor, not for the entire community.

Notably, he 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,” Wike emphasized, signaling a significant financial commitment from the FCT Administration.

He also reiterated the critical importance of the road project to the overall development plan of the capital city.

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The Minister acknowledged the deep-rooted attachment the communities have to their ancestral lands but appealed for their understanding, noting that government’s development efforts sometimes necessitate difficult decisions.