The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to fulfilling its obligations by ensuring full compensation for communities displaced due to the construction of the 700-megawatt hydroelectric power project in Zungeru, Niger State.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this on Wednesday when he received the Compensation and Resettlement Committee of the Zungeru Power Plant in Abuja.
He, however, emphasized the need for proper identification of the affected communities, noting that over 300 communities have now come forward to lay claims for compensation and resettlement, despite the initial agreement on a smaller number.
According to the minister, only 133 communities were initially identified by the Ministry of Power when the Zungeru Power Project was being planned. He expressed surprise that during recent engagements, over 200 additional communities had been included among those seeking compensation and resettlement.
He urged the Committee, led by Niger State Deputy Governor Alhaji Yakubu Garba Minna, to encourage the affected communities to cooperate with the Federal Government while details of the outstanding payments are finalized.
Source; (NigerianTribune)
