Minister Nyesom Wike has resolved the dispute surrounding the establishment of a second runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The Jiwa Community, which hosts the runway, demanded compensation for being evicted from their ancestral lands. The Minister has directed the immediate payment of N825 million to the affected landowners as compensation. The community will also receive other incentives, including employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and a healthcare facility.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has successfully resolved the complex dispute revolving around the establishment of a second runway for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The project, which was divided into four components, was initially approved by the former President, Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Executive Council in March 2022. The anticipated completion and commissioning date for the project was set for June 2023.
The Jiwa Community, where the runway is set to be constructed, vehemently resisted the eviction from their ancestral lands and demanded compensation from the government. In a bid to address their concerns, Minister Wike held a meeting with community leaders and other stakeholders. During the meeting, he expressed empathy towards their plight and pledged to ensure they receive their entitlements.
As a result, Minister Wike has directed the immediate payment of N825 million as compensation to the affected landowners. This monetary relief will be provided by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) on behalf of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Highlighting the outcomes of the meeting, Minister Wike stated, "We have amicably resolved the issue with the Jiwa Community, and the contractors will now commence work on the site. The FCDA will release the approved funds for compensation and settlement to those affected, which amount to N825.82 million."
In addition to the financial compensation, the Jiwa Community will also receive other incentives from the government. Minister Wike has ensured that 12 immediate employment opportunities from the Ministry of Aviation and its agencies, as well as 10 positions from the FCTA, will be allocated to members of the community. To further develop the area, the government has committed to constructing the Tunga Madaki Bridge and a five-kilometre road, which will be included in the 2024 budget. Furthermore, a modern healthcare facility will be established for the community.
Minister Wike emphasized the urgency of implementing these initiatives, stating that once the agreement is signed by the respective parties, the contractors will no longer delay and will immediately commence work. He emphasized the necessity of the second runway, noting the potential repercussions if the existing runway were to become unavailable.
Reflecting on his own experience with land development, Minister Wike acknowledged the community's concerns and pledged to do everything in his power to ensure their happiness.
Regarding the initial dispute, he expressed his belief that if the Ministry of Aviation had solely focused on the runway project, the situation would have been avoided. Minister Wike emphasized the importance of having a backup runway in a city as prominent and cosmopolitan as Abuja, stating, "We have only one runway. How would you feel if something happens to that runway tomorrow? It means there will be no flights. In a city as big and cosmopolitan as Abuja?"
Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-30 News
More detailed, more comprehensive, fresher news, please visit OOO NEWS.
