By Aondowase Agabi
The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) will pay N825 million as compensation to communities whose lands have been impacted by the proposwd Abuja airport second runway project.
This was part of the resolutions reached during a stakeholders meeting on.the project in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development together with the Federal Capital Development Authority convened the meeting of stakeholders.
A statement by Odutayo Oluseyi, the Head, Press and Public Affairs in a statement quotes the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo to have said “The second runway ought to have been commissioned by now, sometime in June or July 2023 but we haven’t mobilized yet to the site because of unresolved issues of compensation”.
He stated that the issues around compensation by law does not concern the Ministry of Aviation and that the humongous demand by the communities is not achievable and would set a bad precedent. He however expressed optimism of quick completion of the project since a resolution has been reached by all parties.
He assured the communities of the social corporate responsibility they stand to enjoy along with the commencement of the project and explained that the project will benefit the communities in terms of economic activities
The Minister, Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike while announcing the resolutions at the end of the stakeholder meeting said “I want to identify myself with the community, If there is anything I can do to make you happy I will make it alone” He urged all stakeholders to support the second runway project and assured all that the compensation of N825, 819, 119. 43 to the communities will commence immediately.
The Signing of the MoU on behalf of the Federal Government was by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr Emmanuel Meribole and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mr. Olusade Adesola while Emir of Jiwa, Alh. Idris Musa and some village and district heads signed on behalf of the communities.
