FCT Indigenous People Decry Forced Resettlement Policies

The Indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory have raised concerns about forced resettlement policies, describing them as violations of their rights and a breach of the rule of law.

At a public hearing convened by the House of Representatives Committee on Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, community representatives outlined the impact of land seizures on their livelihoods and cultural ties.

The Spokesperson of Kpaduma Community
Bala Iyah, decried the longstanding pattern of injustice and discriminatory practices against indigenous residents.

According to him, farmlands had been seized without compensation, disrupting not only livelihoods but the people’s spiritual and cultural ties 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 said.

The President of the Original Inhabitants Development Association of Abuja, Pastor Danladi Jeji called for constitutional changes to secure equal rights for FCT natives and suggested establishing a National Commission to address indigenous issues.

Traditional leaders who spoke include the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa who was represented by the Sa’peyi of Garki, Chief Usman Nga Kupi, lamented the loss of ancestral lands taken for national development projects without compensation.

Declaring the session open, Speaker of the House, Dr Abbas Tajudeen lamented the sacrifices made by FCT natives, including the loss of ancestral lands and property in the name of national development.

While declaring the event open, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas urged stakeholders to freely express their views, noting that such contributions would assist lawmakers in crafting informed legislation.

Dr Abbas, who was represented by a member from Lagos State, Joe Onuakalusi, described the intervention as a critical step towards promoting national unity and the brotherhood embedded in Nigeria’s constitution and national anthem.

He noted that the issue of integrating FCT indigenous people has been a recurring debate across successive administrations, emphasising that the matter is not just relevant to Abuja but has broader implications for justice and equity across the country.

Chairman of the House Committee on Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, Fredrick Agbedi, explained that the hearing was prompted by a motion earlier moved on the need to explore alternative approaches to resettling or integrating both indigenous and non-indigenous residents in the FCT.

In his remarks, Director of Resettlement and Compensation at the FCDA, Nasiru Suleiman, requested additional time for the agency to present its memorandum.

The committee therefore granted a two-week extension to enable the FCDA to submit its presentation.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji