Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has directed the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to allocate land for the resettlement of demolition victims in Gishiri village within one week and commence immediate payment of their approved compensation.
Wike issued the directive on Wednesday during a visit to the community as part of efforts to resolve disputes between the affected residents and the FCDA over compensation and relocation.
The minister’s visit follows complaints from victims who accused FCDA officials of undervaluing their properties—some as low as ₦72,000—and allocating swampy land for their relocation.
At the site, Wike questioned the Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, about the designated plots. Nwankwoeze explained that a 12-hectare site with 58 plots near Hope for Survival Orphanage and a 1.7-hectare area with five plots behind the Local Education Authority Primary School had been earmarked, but officials were awaiting the minister’s approval before proceeding.
Unimpressed, Wike dismissed the delay and gave a firm order: “I do not agree with you. This should be the last time I hear this complaint. I give you people one week to allocate the land. If it’s not enough, find an alternative. No more excuses.”
When asked about the status of compensation payments, Director of Resettlement and Compensation, Nasiru Suleiman, stated that payments had yet to begin and would only commence after land allocation.
Wike, however, overruled the delay and ordered the immediate disbursement of funds. He also warned community leaders against rejecting the compensation, saying: “If you don’t take the money, I will not give you the land again. Collect the money so you can start developing the land.”
Originally, the FCT Administration had earmarked ₦655 million for compensation based on official valuation rates. However, Wike raised the amount to ₦1.3 billion to reflect current economic realities, ensuring fairer settlements for those affected.
The directive is expected to provide relief to the victims of the demolition, which saw 455 houses and structures removed in Katampe District to pave the way for the construction of Arterial Road N16.
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