FG promises compensation for communities displaced by Zungeru power plant

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.

While appreciating the cooperation of the host communities and the Niger State Government in facilitating the power project, Adelabu decried the persistent addition of communities claiming compensation beyond those originally identified.

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.

“Let me welcome you all to this important meeting. I also welcome my colleagues from the Ministry of Power to this first meeting of the New Year. I must commend my brother, the Governor of Niger State, Hon. Umar Bago, for his proactive intervention on this issue. His decision to delegate the Deputy Governor to lead this Committee demonstrates a high level of commitment to resolving the matter.

“The Federal Government fully appreciates your dedication and efforts to address the payment of the balance of compensation for the host communities at the Zungeru power site. I want to reiterate the government’s determination to ensure the resettlement and compensation of all those displaced by the project.

“This is of utmost importance to us. I am pleased to note that 90% of those affected have already been settled, and I assure you that even if only one person remains to be compensated or resettled, we are committed to addressing their claim. The Federal Government appreciates the Niger State Government’s efforts to prevent affected communities from taking the law into their own hands, while assuring them of our readiness to fulfill our obligations.”

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Adelabu further noted that Niger State hosts 80% of Nigeria’s hydroelectric power stations, including Jebba, Kainji, Shiroro, and now Zungeru. He commended the role played by the Committee and its collaboration with the Ministry of Power and the Federal Government. He also praised the Deputy Governor for leading the Committee in this critical engagement.

However, Adelabu appealed to the Committee, the host communities, and all other stakeholders to ensure sincerity in their demands and claims, recognizing the Zungeru power project as a national asset.

“Let us be realistic. At the start of the Zungeru project, 133 communities were identified for compensation and resettlement. It is surprising that new communities are now being added to the list. We cannot continue in this manner, as there is a timeline for resolving these issues,” he said.

The minister revealed that the Federal Government had already paid ₦22 billion in compensation, leaving a balance of ₦2.2 billion. However, he emphasized the need to verify newly presented claims, noting the government’s current financial constraints.

“I urge everyone to understand the reality. The Federal Government is facing a shortage of funds and has multiple competing priorities. While we remain committed to addressing these issues, they must be resolved within the limits of available resources,” Adelabu added.

He called on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to support the Ministry of Power in addressing the compensation and resettlement challenges affecting Zungeru power project host communities.

In response, the Deputy Governor expressed appreciation on behalf of Governor Umar Bago and the people of Niger State for the project, reaffirming their readiness to cooperate with the Federal Government to ensure its success.

“Honourable Minister, the governor’s commitment to this project is unwavering. That is why he appointed me as the Chairman of the Committee. We regularly update him, and the state government has taken steps to restrain communities from taking the law into their hands.

“We are pleased to take back a positive report to our people. For those who were misled into going to court, we assure you that those cases will be withdrawn,” the Deputy Governor said.