The minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has stressed the need to identify the genuine communities affected by the Zungeru Power Plant project to enable speedy resettlement and payment of compensation.
This is following the increase to over 300 communities coming out to lay claims for compensation and resettlement after the initial agreed figure of 133.
The minister also reiterated the federal government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations to the payment of full compensation to communities displaced as a result of the construction of the 700 megawatts, hydroelectric power project in Zungeru, Niger State.
The affected communities have been pushing for adequate compensation.
Adelabu, in a meeting with the Compensation and Resettlement Committee on Wednesday, urged the committee to determine the genuineness of all claimants as there were only 133 communities that were identified by the Ministry of Power when the Zungeru power project was to be sited.
He expressed surprise that over 200 communities have been added to those originally slated for compensation and resettlement.
“The federal government is fully appreciative of your commitment and efforts at resolving the issues around the payment of the balance of the compensation for the host communities on the Zungeru power site.
“Let me reemphasise the determination of the federal government in the resettlement and compensation of those displaced by the project. This is paramount to us and I’m happy to note that ninety percent of those affected have been settled and to say also that even if it is only one person that is left to be so compensated and resettled, we are committed to that figure.
“We appreciate the fact that Jebba, Kainji, Shiroro and now Zungeru are all located in Niger State and this is to say that 80 percent of our hydro power stations are located in Niger State.”
Stressing that the plant was a national asset intended to serve the country, the minister called for sincerity among the communities as they seek full compensation. He noted that the federal government is facing paucity of funds, with several issues competing for government attention
He said, “At the commencement of the Zungeru power project, 133 communities were identified for compensation and or resettlement.
However, it is a big surprise to me that some communities are being added afresh to those who should be compensated or resettled. We are looking forward to how we can resettle this matter.
“Those who are yet to be paid are agitated and are putting pressure on the State government and the Committee. We can no longer keep them assured and so, let me say that whatever we have will be paid in the shortest possible time. I’m happy that we have been able to pay N22 billion out of the compensation and from our records, we have 2.2 billion remaining for payment. Some new figures have been presented here today, but we will have to go back as a ministry to verify these claims,” Adelabu said in a statement issued by his special adviser on Strategic Communication Tunji Bolaji.
In his remarks, deputy governor of Niger state, Yakubu Garba Minna, who led the team commended the efforts of the federal government in resolving the issue and assured of continued cooperation.
“I want to let you know that because of the interest of the governor in ensuring that this project succeeds, he has asked me to take on the Chairmanship of the Committee. We report to him regularly and he has committed the state government to ensuring that these communities are restrained from taking laws into their own hands.
“We are happy that we are taking a positive report back home to our people and we promise that those that have gone to court, were misled and those cases would be withdrawn”, Minna said.
