PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES
In a bid to pave way for the construction of the 4.2km second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Federal Government has approved N825.819 billion as compensation for some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, disclosed this on Tuesday after a negotiation meeting with the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, officials of both ministries, and representatives of their agencies as well as stakeholders from Jiwa, the affected community in Abuja.
The N825.8bn, according to the minister, is to incentivise the residents to vacate the community and seek their cooperation towards the completion of the 4.2 km second Abuja runway project originally awarded in 2022.
Additionally, Wike declared that the FCT will construct a 5km bridge in the Tunga Madaki community and provide modern healthcare facility expected to serve as a temporary resettlement site for the Jiwa indigenes.
On the resolutions of the meeting, Wike said: “We have been able to resolve amicably with the community and the contractors will now move to site.
“The FCT through the Federal Capital Development Authority FCDA will release the money approved for compensation and settlement of those who are there. The total value is N825.82 million for the compensation and resettlement.
“We are going to construct Tunga Madaki Bridge, which we will put in the 2024 budget, with a 5km road. We are going to provide a modern healthcare facility for the community.
“The Permanent Secretaries from the Ministry of Aviation and that of the FCTA, His Royal Highness (the Sarkin Jiwa), AMAC Chairman, and the Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission (FCT) will sign the agreement reached between government and Jiwa Community, and if that is done today, by tomorrow or next.
“The moment the money gets to them, the contractors will no longer delay, as they have to move to the site immediately and commence work. So, the second runway has come to stay.
“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?”
The FCT minister further charged the contractors to resume work, promising that the approved funds will be released as from tomorrow, Wednesday, August 30.
Persecondnews recalls that Jiwa, a densely populated community, had earlier opened up negotiations with the Federal Government, demanding N2.5 million per hectare as compensation.
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