FCT Minister Wike Threatens to Sack FCDA Secretary Over Alleged Compensation Fraud

Gishiri Residents Protest Meager Compensation for Demolished Homes

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Dauda, over alleged irregularities in the compensation process for displaced residents of Gishiri community in Abuja.

Wike threatened to remove Dauda from office following reports that some affected residents were offered as little as ₦72,000 as compensation for their demolished homes.

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Controversy Over Compensation for Gishiri Residents

The dispute arises from the construction of Arterial Road N16, a major road project passing through Gishiri in Katampe District. The project has faced delays due to unresolved compensation and relocation issues affecting 455 residents whose homes were demolished.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Monday in Abuja, Wike expressed outrage over allegations of fraudulent compensation payments and warned against any corrupt practices within the FCDA.

“Go and pay people their money, the exact amount. The one I approved. Because I’m hearing so many things. If you are doing any deal and I find out, you will regret it,” Wike warned Dauda.

“Give people their normal money. The day I hear such things again, you will tell me how. I will remove you from there.”

Wike: Compensation Must Be Fair and Lawful

The minister emphasized that compensation should be based on legal ownership, not ethnicity or origin, warning against discriminatory practices in the payment process.

“Government does not pay compensation based on where you come from. Compensation is based on who has papers there. If a road is passing through your land, you deserve to be paid. Nobody should be denied because they are non-indigenes.”

Community Outrage Over Alleged Irregularities

The affected residents of Gishiri have accused the FCDA of disregarding Wike’s directives regarding their compensation and relocation.

• Gishiri youth leader, Umaru Godwin, alleged that Engr. Dauda had failed to provide an appropriate resettlement area, instead proposing a waterlogged site unfit for construction.
• Another resident, Princess Juliet Jonah, lamented that the ₦72,000 compensation per building was far below the expected rate, leading to widespread protests among the affected families.

Next Steps in the Dispute

With tensions rising over the issue, the FCT administration faces increasing pressure to resolve the compensation crisis fairly. Wike’s warning suggests that strong disciplinary action may be taken against any official found guilty of mismanaging funds or engaging in fraudulent compensation practices.

As affected residents continue to demand justice, the outcome of this controversy will be closely watched to see whether the government upholds its commitment to fair and transparent compensation policies.