By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has warned illegal settlers who have encroached on the Chika- Alieta Technology, Science Village to move out or face demolition.
Wike gave the order during an inspection tour of the Science Village on Monday in the company of the Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Godfrey Nnaji.
The minster ordered the Development Control Department to remove the illegal settlers, adding that there is record that compensation has been paid to the earlier settlers for the place.
Wike decried the fast encroachment, which he said was aided by the inability of the past administration to take action and stop individuals from building illegally on the village despite the payment of compensation.
However, he assured that his administration will give the necessary political will by stopping the illegal settlers.
He emphasized that the money expended in providing infrastructure to the village will not be a waste.
While speaking to journalists, the Minister who was surprised at the proliferation of settlements, said that he taught activities are going-on in the village.
He directed the ministry to bring details on erecting an office in the village instead of staying in a rented building, stating that their presence in the village will drive more investors to the science and technology incubation village.
Furthermore, the minister of Science and Technology, Uche Godfrey Nnaji, has told the Minister that leaving illegal settlers that have encroached the buffer of the village constituting is a big risk and loss to the country’s investment drive, particularly to the village that is in the replica of London technology village.
According to Nnaji, the government of Great Britain was able to generate six billion pounds in six years, noting that Nigeria is on the verge of generating more funds if the right environment is put in place.
Daybreak reports that the Abuja technology village is a Free Trade Zone for Science and Technology created by the Federal Government by the Late Musa Y’aradua with Senator Adamu Aliero , but the dream was short lived due to the death of Presidential Ya”adua.
