The Federal Government has announced N825.819 billion naira as compensation for indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja to pave the way for the construction of 4.2km second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, made the announcement on Tuesday after a negotiation meeting with his counterpart in Aviation ad Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, officials of both ministries, and representatives of their agencies as well as stakeholders from Jiwa, the affected community in Abuja.

In a resolution, issued at the end of the meeting, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo 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.

Keyamo 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.

On his part, Wike said the N825.8bn, 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.

He said the FCT will construct a 5km bridge in the Tunga Madaki community and provide modern health care facility expected to serve as a temporary resettlement site for the indigenes. He charged the contractors to resume work, promising that the approved fund will be released from tomorrow (Wednesday).

“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.

Permanent Secretary, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Emmanuel Marable, and the Permanent Secretary, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Olusade Adesola, signed of the MoU on behalf of the Federal Government while Emir of Jiwa, Alh. Idris Musa and some village and district heads signed on behalf of the communities