The Federal Government has declared a Compensation of N825.819 million for the Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Community affected by the Construction of a 4.2km second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
As part of the compensation package, members of the Impacted Community will be granted 12 immediate employment Opportunities from the Ministry of Aviation and its Associated agencies, as well as an additional 10 Employment slots from the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
This Announcement followed a Negotiation meeting Involving the Minister of FCTA, Nyesom Wike, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Officials from both Ministries, representatives of relevant Agencies, and Stakeholders from the Jiwa Community, which is directly affected by the Project in Abuja.
The Compensation amount, totaling N825.8 million, is intended to encourage the Residents to vacate the Community, facilitating the Project’s completion.
Originally awarded in 2022, the second Runway Project at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is part of a broader effort to enhance Aviation Infrastructure.
The Federal Executive Council sanctioned the second Runway Project in March 2022, dividing it into four Distinct Components.
The aim was to Commission the Project by June 2023.
However, the Jiwa Community members, residing in the Vicinity of the proposed Runway, opposed their displacement and demanded
Compensation.
Addressing the Community’s concerns, Nyesom Wike, Minister of FCTA, empathized with their Situation and pledged to Expedite the disbursement of the Compensation.
He directed the Immediate payment of N825 million to the affected Landowners to address their Grievances.
During the Meeting, Wike highlighted several Initiatives intended to benefit the Jiwa Community, including the Construction of the Tunga Madaki Bridge and a 5km road slated for Inclusion in the 2024 Budget.
Additionally, a Modern Healthcare Facility is to be established in the Community.
The Agreement reached between the Government and the Jiwa Community was Witnessed by the Permanent Secretaries from the Ministry of Aviation and FCTA, the Sarkin Jiwa (traditional ruler), the AMAC Chairman, and other relevant Officials.
Once this Agreement is Signed, the allocated Funds will enable the Project Contractors to commence Work Immediately.
Minister Wike acknowledged the Residents’ challenges and assured them of his Commitment to Securing their rightful Compensation.
He emphasized the Significance of the second Runway Project in bolstering the Aviation Sector’s Infrastructure and overall Safety.
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, acknowledged that the Ministry of Aviation had previously overstepped its Mandate in dealing with Compensation Issues.
He clarified that the FCTA is responsible for Compensation matters within the FCT Jurisdiction and Appealed to the Community to cooperate with the Compensation process.
The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Shehu Hadi, clarified the FCTA’s Role in Compensation and affirmed the Responsibility of MDAs to arrange for Compensation when Lands are allocated to them.
The Traditional Ruler of Jiwa, Sarkin Jiwa Idris Musa, expressed hope that the Compensation amount could be Increased to Enable Community Members to acquire alternative Lands.
He stressed the Importance of resolving after Months of Uncertainty.
