The Federal Capital Territory Administration will ensure that residents of the Guzape and Kpaduma communities, who are affected by road construction in the area, are duly compensated without delay.

FCT minister Nyesom Wike made the pledge during a meeting with traditional rulers and representatives of the Kpaduma and Guzape communities in Abuja on Monday regarding the road project.

He explained that the meeting was to address concerns about the delay in relocating affected villagers living on the road corridor.

The minister expressed concerns over the continued presence of the residents on the road corridor marked for construction to ease traffic and boost connectivity within Abuja.

He assured the traditional leaders and community members of the government’s commitment to ensure justice and fairness to everyone affected.

Mr Wike promised that every affected individual would be duly compensated, adding that a right of occupancy for new resettlement areas would be provided without delay.

The FCT minister directed the director of resettlement to evaluate the cost of resettling the affected residents. He pointed out that the compensation rate was too meagre and asked the director to increase it by 100 per cent.

“Increase their rate. If they are supposed to get 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,” Mr Wike said.

He, however, clarified that compensation would be paid only for structures along the road corridor, not the entire community.

The minister reiterated the critical importance of the road project to the overall development plan of the capital city. He acknowledged the deep-rooted attachment the communities have to their ancestral lands and appealed for their understanding.

According to him, the government’s development efforts must sometimes involve difficult decisions.

The traditional leaders, led by the Sa’peyi of Garki, Usman Nga-Kupi, commended Mr Wike for his transparency and willingness to engage them directly.

Mr Nga-Kupi acknowledged the benefits the road project would bring to the area and pledged their resolve to cooperate and support the resettlement process.

“We are grateful for the minister’s assurance and the respect shown to our people.

“We will support this effort in the interest of peace and progress”, the community leader said.

(NAN)