The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has assured the indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of their smooth integration into the federal system of governance.
He made this known through his representative, Hon. Joe Oke Onuakalusi, at a public hearing organised by the House Committee on Area Councils and Ancillary Matters in Abuja.
Speaker Abbas described the intervention as a critical step toward promoting national unity and the brotherhood embedded in Nigeria’s constitution and national anthem.
He noted that the issue of FCT integration has been a recurring subject across successive administrations, emphasising that it has nationwide implications for justice, equity, and inclusion.
He urged stakeholders to freely share their views, highlighting that their input would help lawmakers craft informed and inclusive legislation.
“This assignment is a national duty..to determine alternative ways of settling or integrating indigenous and non indegenious residents of the FCT as part of Nigeria without discrimination “, Abbas stated.
He further assured the FCT indigenes that the 10th House of Representatives, under his leadership, is committed to developing legislative frameworks that reflect the aspirations of the people. Abbas also charged the committee to thoroughly document all submissions for subsequent legislative action.
FCT Challenges
Chairman of the House Committee on Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi, explained that the hearing was prompted by a motion to explore alternatives to the long-standing resettlement policy in the FCT.
“THE FCT is a symbol of unity and national ideals. But with growth and diversity come complex challenges like displacement of indegenious communities, unclear status of non indegenious residents and tension between customary land rights and Morden urban planning “, he said.
Demands of Justice, Equity, and Legal Reform
During the hearing, indigenous representatives strongly rejected the FCTA’s relocation policy, labeling it a violation of their human rights and a breach of the rule of law.
They advocated for a more inclusive and humane urban renewal policy, one that fosters comfort, dignity, and fair alternatives.
The Sepeyi of Garki (representing the Ona of Abaji), Chief Usman Nga Kupi, lamented the loss of ancestral lands and properties in the name of national development.Similarly, Mr. Bala Iya of the Kpaduma community decried what he described as years of injustice and land grabs without compensation, disrupting livelihoods and severing cultural ties.
“The resettlement process must include allocation of reasonably sized land, proper title documentation and financial support for development”, Iya insisted.
Representing the Original Inhabitant Development Association of Abuja, Giwa Bamaiyi, on behalf of President Pastor Danladi Jeji, called for a constitutional amendment to guarantee equal rights for FCT natives. He also proposed the creation of a National Commission for Indigenous Peoples to address systemic marginalisation.
Meanwhile, the Director of Resettlement and Compensation at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Mr. Nasiru Suleiman requested more time to submit the agency’s memorandum.
The committee granted a two-week extension for the FCDA to finalise its submission.