House Committee On Area Councils Pledges Support For Traditional Institutions

The House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Area Councils and Ancillary Matters has pledged support for better funding of traditional institutions in the city.

Chairman of the Committee, Fredrick Agbedi, stated this during an interactive session with the traditional Council of the FCT.

Agbedi acknowledged the critical role traditional rulers play in cultural preservation, security, conflict resolution, and community development and assured them that the committee will explore legislative backing for a 5% deduction from Area Council funds for traditional institutions.

However, Agbedi noted that the current financial framework prioritizes sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social welfare and does not explicitly provide allocations to traditional institutions.

The Lawmaker emphasized that any such allocation would require legislative review and policy amendments.

The committee also plans to liaise with stakeholders to address concerns of traditional rulers, including funding allocations.

Additionally, an Area Councils Administration Establishment Bill has passed its first reading in the House of Representatives, which may provide opportunities for supporting traditional institutions.

Chairman of the FCT Traditional Council, HRH Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, highlighted the council’s challenges, including inadequate financing and lack of a legal framework.

He appealed for a 5% allocation from local government funds, similar to practices in some states.

Some lawmakers, including Jonathan Gwefwi and Inombek Abiante, expressed concerns over the treatment of indigenous FCT residents, criticizing resettlement approaches that displaced people from their ancestral homes without providing alternative settlements.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Blessing Nyor