Affected Abuja traders lament hardship and neglect as FCT authorities remain silent on delayed compensation following controversial demolition exercise.
Traders at Zuba Market in Abuja have expressed growing frustration over the failure of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to compensate them, 18 months after the demolition of more than 700 shops in the area.
The demolition, which displaced hundreds of business owners, was reportedly carried out as part of an enforcement operation targeting illegal structures and non-compliance with urban planning regulations. However, affected traders insist the exercise was executed without adequate notice, leaving many unable to recover their goods or make alternative arrangements.
Since the incident, traders say repeated appeals and engagements with relevant authorities have yielded no results. Many of them claim they have not received any form of compensation or official communication regarding when relief will be provided.
According to several affected individuals, the destroyed shops were their primary source of income. The prolonged delay in compensation has left many struggling to survive, with some reportedly forced out of business entirely. Others say they have exhausted personal savings while trying to rebuild their livelihoods.
The situation has continued to attract criticism, with stakeholders calling on the FCTA to address the concerns of the displaced traders. Observers argue that beyond enforcement, authorities have a responsibility to ensure that those affected by such actions are treated fairly and supported through proper compensation processes.
