Niger State Government has paid about N1.6 million in compensation to some farmers cultivating on the site set aside for the construction of a yard by the Chinese firm, CCECC, handling the infrastructural projects of Niger State Government at Maikunkele, Bosso Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner of Lands and Survey, Barr Maurice Bello Magaji, who led officials of the Ministry to the Palace of the District Head of Maikunkele, Alhaji Suleiman Dada, presented the cheques on behalf of the state government to the affected beneficiaries.
He said the decision of the government to pay the compensation for the crops on the site was informed and directed by His Excellency, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, in consideration of the plight of the local farmers who planted on the site that was needed for immediate utilization.
The Commissioner further stressed that "this is like a “token” from the government to the community as a sign of good faith and commitment to the well-being of the people".
About 48 individuals from Maikunkele received cheques for various sums for the crops on the site.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the District Head of Maikunkele, Alhaji Suleiman Dada, expressed his appreciation to the state government for its magnanimity in paying for the crops, some of which he said have been harvested.
He thanked the Commissioner for personally coming with his team and restated their commitment and support to the present administration's redevelopment programme.
It would be recalled that about six hectares of land were recently presented to CCECC, the Chinese construction firm handling the construction work in Minna for the building of their yard.