Affected traders say the September 2024 demolition destroyed their livelihoods, leaving many without income as they await compensation allegedly agreed with Gwagwalada Area Council.
Traders affected by the demolition of more than 700 shops at the popular Zuba fruit market in the Federal Capital Territory have accused the authorities of failing to pay the ₦500 million compensation they say was agreed upon before the demolition.
The shops were demolished in September 2024 in an operation carried out by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through the Gwagwalada Area Council. Twenty-two months after the demolition, the affected traders say they are yet to receive the compensation.
According to the traders, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was reportedly reached with the Gwagwalada Area Council for compensation estimated at ₦500 million. They alleged that they had requested payment before the demolition to enable them relocate their businesses, but the demolition proceeded despite their concerns.
The traders also claimed that they legally acquired their shops from the council and had complied with the required revenue and certification processes.
They said the demolition destroyed their businesses and left hundreds of families struggling to survive. Some affected traders have reportedly returned to their villages, where they now engage in subsistence farming and other menial jobs after losing their sources of income.
The traders further alleged that the financial hardship caused by the demolition contributed to the deaths of some members of their association, who they said could no longer afford adequate medical treatment.
They are also seeking legal redress over the matter, saying previous efforts to pursue the case in court were unsuccessful. The affected traders are reportedly working with a new lawyer to revive their legal action.
The traders have appealed to the FCTA, Gwagwalada Area Council and other relevant authorities to intervene, resolve the dispute and pay what they described as their rightful compensation.
