The Federal Government has paid N22 billion as compensation to displaced communities in the 700-megawatt Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project in Niger State, according to Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.
Adelabu made this announcement during a meeting with the Compensation and Resettlement Committee of the Zungeru power plant in Abuja.
The government has identified 133 communities for compensation or resettlement, but this number has increased to over 300, causing some surprise.
Adelabu assured that funds will be released to the remaining communities, totaling around N2.2 billion.
However, he emphasized the need for verifying the claims of new communities added to the list.
The Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by the government in meeting its obligations due to limited funds.
He expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the Niger State government and the host communities in ensuring the project’s success.
In March last year, a court ordered the federal government to pay N1.1 trillion as compensation to displaced communities in the Zungeru power plant project.