Niger State Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, led the compensation and resettlement committee for communities affected by the construction of the 700-megawatt hydroelectric power plant in Zungeru to visit the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, in Abuja.
The Deputy Governor informed the Minister that the visit aimed to expedite the payment of compensation and resettlement of the riverine communities impacted by the Zungeru power project. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring prompt compensation and effective resettlement of the identified affected communities.
Comrade Yakubu Garba, extending the goodwill message of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, assured the minister of the state’s readiness to instill transparency and accountability in the compensation and resettlement process. He emphasised that the visit was part of ongoing efforts by the state government to ensure that those affected are adequately compensated, highlighting Governor Bago’s dedication to probity and due process in the compensation and relocation exercise.
He added that the committee would oversee the compensation payments and appreciated the collaborative efforts of both the state and federal governments in ensuring that the affected communities receive a fair share of the compensation.
In response, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations to fully compensate the displaced communities due to the Zungeru power plant construction. However, he emphasised the need for genuine identification of the affected communities, noting that over 300 communities had come forward to claim compensation and resettlement, exceeding the initial agreed figure.
According to the minister, only 133 communities were initially identified by the Ministry of Power when the Zungeru power project was planned. He expressed surprise that over 200 additional communities had been added to those originally slated for compensation and resettlement. He urged the committee to encourage the people of the area to cooperate with the federal government as the details of the outstanding payments were being finalised.
The minister also appreciated the gesture of the host communities and the Niger State government in supporting the power project.