July 23, 2023

Niger Government has constituted a Claims and Verification Committee for compensation of individuals affected by the construction of Minna-Bida Road in the state.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman in Minna on Sunday, said the approval for the committee was given by Gov. Umaru Bago and that the reconstruction is being co-financed by the Islamic Development Bank, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and the State Government.

Alhaji Usman further revealed that members of the committee were drawn from the State Government, Security Agencies, and other relevant Stakeholders.

The committee has been granted a six (6) weeks’ timeline, from Tuesday, the 25th of July 2023, to complete its assignment with utmost diligence.

He explained that the committee’s primary mandate is to identify each claimant and gather crucial information, including the land coordinates of the affected property and each claimant’s Bank Verification Number (BVN).

This additional data will enhance process integrity and transparency, thereby preventing potential issues of claims and counterclaims by the claimants, which could cumulate to any setback for the start-up or progress of the project.

The SSG further stated that the State Government has already set aside funding to compensate all affected persons. Payments will be made simultaneously with the verification process, paving the way for the commencement of civil works and groundbreaking in November 2023, in accordance with the current project work plan.

The statement added that the committee would facilitate direct real- time online payments to the claimants, eliminating the need for contact with Government officials. Alhaji Usman emphasized on the importance of claimants’ presence at their respective property locations during the verification exercise.

He implored the affected parties to cooperate fully with the committee to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

Alhaji Usman charged members of the committee to uphold fairness and equity throughout the exercise, emphasizing the immediate payment of verified claimants after the verification process.

The SSG stressed that the timelines for verifying each location would be communicated through the Village Heads and the claimant’s Attorneys.