The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Dauda, over claims that some houses in Gishiri community were valued at just N72,000 for compensation. Wike, visibly angry, warned that he would not hesitate to remove Dauda from his position if the allegations were true.
The issue arose due to the construction of the Arterial Road N16, which passes through Gishiri in the Katampe District. The project has led to the demolition of houses, affecting about 455 residents. However, compensation and relocation plans have caused major disagreements, with residents accusing FCDA of undervaluing their properties.
During a stakeholders’ meeting on Monday in Abuja, Wike expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation, stating that he had heard troubling reports about how compensation was being handled. He directed that affected residents must be paid the correct amount, warning that any attempt to manipulate the process would have serious consequences.
He said: “Go and pay people their money, the exact amount. The one I approved cause I’m hearing so many things. If you are doing any deal and I find out, you will regret it. Cause I’m hearing so many things. Give people their normal money. The day I hear such things again, you will tell me how. I will remove you from there.”
The minister also made it clear that compensation should not be based on ethnicity but on proper ownership documents. “Government does not pay compensation based on where you come from. Compensation is based on who has papers there. It is not I am Igbo for example, I have papers, but I won’t pay you. If a road is passing through your land, you deserve to be paid. Nobody should be denied because they are non-indigenes,” he added.
Residents of Gishiri, however, claim that the FCDA has not followed the minister’s directives. Youth leader Umaru Godwin accused Engr. Dauda of suggesting a waterlogged area for their relocation, which they believe is unsuitable for rebuilding their homes.
