Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has issued a one-week ultimatum to the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to allocate land to residents displaced from the Gishiri community.
During a recent meeting with Gishiri stakeholders, the minister expressed dissatisfaction with the reports presented by FCDA officials and the victims of the displacement. He promised to visit the area for further assessment.
While addressing the affected residents yesterday, Wike also directed the director of the Department of Resettlements and Compensation, Nasiru Suleiman, to ensure compensation payments to the displaced residents within one week.
“I give you people one week to allocate those lands to them. If it is not enough, we will find an alternative solution,” he stated.
The minister addressed residents’ hesitance to accept compensation funds for their land, warning, “If you do not take the money, I will not grant you the land again.
“You must collect the money so that you can start developing once you receive your land. If I hear that you did not accept it, you will not receive the land, and you will be the one to suffer the consequences.”
He expressed his commitment to support the community, urging them to accept the compensation to facilitate the relocation process.
“Do not impose conditions for being given land before you can collect the money. I am here to ensure you receive both your land and your funds,” he said.
Wike had earlier announced that the initial compensation budget of N655 million was increased to N1.3 billion due to the country’s economic situation.
He clarified that compensation rates were determined by government valuation standards and assured that due process would be followed to ensure fairness and transparency.
The victims claimed they had been allocated an area covered by water, which they said would not be suitable for habitation. They insisted they should be given the land behind the Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School in Gishiri.
