FCT Natives Reject Relocation Policy, Demand Integration and Justice

The Indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have strongly opposed the long-standing relocation policy adopted by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). They described the policy as a violation of their fundamental human rights and the rule of law.

They advocated instead for an inclusive urban renewal and integration approach. This, they said, should foster acceptance, comfort, and provide humane and equitable alternatives.

The FCT indigenous communities made their position known during a public hearing organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Area Councils and Ancillary Matters. The hearing took place at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, on Tuesday.

Declaring the hearing open, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, urged stakeholders to express their views freely. He noted that such contributions would assist lawmakers in crafting informed legislation. Abbas, represented by Hon. Joe Oke Onuakalusi, described the intervention as a critical step. That, he said, is aimed at promoting national unity and the brotherhood embedded in Nigeria’s constitution and national anthem.

The Speaker noted that the issue of integrating FCT indigenes has been a recurring debate across successive administrations. He emphasized that the matter is not just relevant to Abuja but also has broader implications for justice and equity across the country.

Chairman of the House Committee on Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi, explained the motivation for the hearing. He said it stemmed from a motion earlier moved on the need to explore alternative approaches. These include ways of resettling or integrating both indigenous and non-indigenous residents in the FCT.

“The FCT is a symbol of unity and a representation of our national ideals. It was built for all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or regional backgrounds,” he said. “However, with growth and diversity come complex challenges—including the displacement of indigenous communities, the unclear status of non-indigenous residents, and the tension between customary land rights and modern urban planning.”

Speaker Abbas, therefore, charged the committee to carefully and thoroughly capture all comments shared during the hearing. He assured that the 10th House of Representatives, under his leadership, remains committed to developing legislative solutions. He said these would reflect the collective aspirations and address the FCT indigenous rights issue.

In his remarks, Director of Resettlement and Compensation at the FCDA, TPL Nasiru Suleiman, requested additional time for the agency to present its memorandum. The committee granted a two-week extension to enable the FCDA to submit its presentation.

Also speaking at the hearing, the Sepeyi of Garki, Chief Usman Nga Kupi, who represented the Ona of Abaji, lamented the sacrifices made by FCT natives. He highlighted the loss of ancestral lands and property in the name of national development.

Similarly, Hon. Bala Iya, representing the Kpaduma community, decried what he described as a longstanding pattern of injustice and discriminatory practices against indigenous residents. According to him, farmlands had been seized without compensation. This, he said, disrupted not only livelihoods but also 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.

Meanwhile, on the FCT indigenous rights issue, the Original Inhabitant Development Association of Abuja called for a constitutional amendment. The group said this would help secure equal rights for FCT natives. Represented by Giwa Bamaiyi, the group’s President, Pastor Danladi Jeji, proposed the establishment of a National Commission for Indigenous Peoples. The group said the commission would address the systemic challenges faced by original inhabitants.

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