Minister approves N700m benefits for FCDA/FCTA retirees

THE 75 staff members of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) who were affected by the 2004 compulsory retirement exercise can now heave a sigh of relief as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved the payment of over 700 million to the affected staff.

FCT Permanent Secretary, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa made the disclosure  in Abuja at the sign off ceremony  on the resolution of 2004 FCDA retirees matter while receiving the retirees on behalf of the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa  Bello.

According to him, the entitlements of the 75 beneficiaries would be paid directly into their accounts within two weeks.

The resolution of the matter, which had been a subject of litigation, had been stalled for 14 years, causing the affected officers all forms of hardship.

However, Ohaa said, in keeping with the commitment of the present administration to the Rule of Law, the matter would be laid to rest, through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) window, to the joy of the affected officers and their families.

He further explained that the minister has graciously decided to give succour to the affected staff by applying human face to the issue.

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Earlier, the Chairman of the 2004 retirees, Engineer Audu Umar, explained that the sign off ceremony was an indication that the present leadership of the FCT administration was indeed different and poised to address issues bothering on staff welfare. He appealed to the minister to grant long service award to the affected staff in view of their meritorious service to the nation.

Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has lauded the staff of FCT administration for their hard work and commitment to the development of the territory as well as support to the Change Agenda.

He made the commendation during the breaking of the Ramadan fast with a cross section of FCTA officials in his Life Camp residence.

The minister said if he were to leave office anytime in the future, the gift he desired was “the legacy of clean roads, less garbage on the streets, very beautiful and well-kept gardens with trees and flowers as well as well trimmed and well mowed beautiful lawns,” appealing to them to go the extra mile to ensure that this objective was achieved.