Wike meets Kpaduma, Guzape chiefs over ongoing road construction
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the traditional chiefs and representatives of the Kpaduma and Guzape communities have met over the ongoing road construction project.
The meeting, which took place at the FCT Minister’s conference room in Lifecamp, Abuja, was convened at the instance of the Minister to address the growing tension surrounding the continued presence of residents in areas marked for development, particularly for the major road infrastructure intended to ease traffic and boost connectivity within the FCT.
Wike emphasized the importance of the road project to the overall development plan of the capital city, acknowledging the deep-rooted attachment the communities have to their ancestral lands.
He appealed for understanding, noting that government’s development efforts must sometimes involve difficult decisions.
In a bid to reach an amicable resolution, the Minister assured the chiefs and their people of government’s commitment to ensure justice and fairness.
He noted that every affected individual would be duly compensated and that Right of Occupancy (R of Os) for new resettlement areas would be provided without delay, as was the case with the Gishiri community in Katampe district.
The Minister, however, clarified that compensation would be paid for only the structures along the road corridor and not the entire community.
He also directed that the compensation package should be doubled to ensure fairness.
Responding, the traditional leaders of Kpaduma and Guzape, led by the Sapeyi of Garki, Alhaji Usman Nga Kupi, expressed their appreciation to the FCT Minister for his transparency and willingness to engage them directly.
Acknowledging the development benefits the road project would bring to the area, the traditional leaders unanimously agreed to cooperate with the evacuation and resettlement process.
