FCT Natives Reject FCTA’s Relocation Policy, Make Demand
This post has already been read 21043 times!
Indigenous residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have forcefully rejected the long-standing relocation policy pursued by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), calling it a violation of their fundamental human rights and a breach of the rule of law.
This bold stance was declared on Wednesday during a public hearing convened by the House of Representatives Committee on Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, held at the National Assembly Complex. The hearing provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the ongoing debate over the treatment and future of the FCT’s original inhabitants.
Representatives of various indigenous communities urged the government to abandon its relocation policy in favor of an inclusive urban renewal and integration framework that prioritizes dignity, cultural sensitivity, and equitable compensation.
“We Lost Everything for National Unity”
Speaking on behalf of the Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs, Adamu Baba Yunusa, the Sepeyi of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, lamented the historical injustices suffered by native populations.
“Our people made tremendous sacrifices in the name of national development, including the loss of ancestral lands and homes. Yet, we continue to face marginalization and displacement,” he said.
Usman Nga Kupi emphasized that any future development plans must recognize the rights and cultural heritage of the FCT’s indigenous communities, stressing that inclusive integration is the only just path forward.
“No Compensation, No Justice”
Hon. Bala Iya, representing the Kpaduma community, described the FCTA’s relocation policy as a continuation of systemic injustice and discrimination.
He pointed to the seizure of farmlands without compensation, which has not only undermined economic livelihoods but also disrupted the spiritual and cultural connections of indigenous people to their land.
“The resettlement process must include allocation of reasonably sized land, with proper title documents and financial support for building development as approved by Development Control,” he demanded.
Call for Structural Reform and Legal Safeguards
Adding institutional weight to the grievances, the Original Inhabitant Development Association of Abuja, through its President, Danladi Jeji, called for a constitutional amendment to guarantee equal rights and protections for FCT natives.
Jeji advocated for the creation of a National Commission for Indigenous Peoples to directly address the systemic challenges and historical disadvantages faced by original inhabitants of Nigeria’s capital.
Legislative Support and Broader National Implications
Declaring the session open, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, urged stakeholders to speak freely. Represented by Hon. Joe Oke Onuakalusi, the Speaker noted that the hearing aimed to shape legislative reforms that uphold justice, unity, and the spirit of the Nigerian constitution.
“This is not only about Abuja,” Abbas said. “It has far-reaching implications for equity and national cohesion. The original inhabitants must not be forgotten in our pursuit of modernity.”
Chairman of the House Committee on Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi, emphasized the symbolic importance of the FCT as a representation of Nigeria’s diversity and unity.
“The FCT belongs to all Nigerians. But as it grows, we must grapple with complex realities — such as indigenous displacement, uncertain legal status for many residents, and tension between traditional land rights and urban planning,” Agbedi said.
He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to pursuing fair and sustainable policy alternatives that protect both indigenous communities and the integrity of the capital city.
Looking Ahead
The hearing marked a critical moment in the long-running struggle of FCT natives for recognition, justice, and inclusion. As lawmakers deliberate on the submissions, there is growing pressure on the FCTA to abandon forceful relocation strategies in favor of collaborative, humane solutions.
Indigenous groups say they are no longer willing to be bystanders in decisions that affect their lives and legacy. With mounting public attention and legislative interest, the future of FCT’s urban development policies may soon be redefined.
