Abuja Indigenes Reject FCT Relocation Plans, Demand Inclusive Integration.
Indigenous communities of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have strongly opposed the long-standing relocation policy of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), labelling it a violation of their fundamental human rights and a breach of the rule of law. Instead, they are calling for an inclusive urban renewal and integration strategy that promotes acceptance, ensures comfort, and provides humane and equitable alternatives for all residents.
The stance was passionately articulated during a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Area Councils and Ancillary Matters at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Tuesday. Representatives of the indigenous groups, alongside community leaders, voiced their deep concerns over the loss of ancestral lands, farmlands, and cultural ties due to decades of displacement driven by national development projects.
Chief Usman Nga Kupi, the Sepeyi of Garki, representing the Ona of Abaji, spoke emotively about the sacrifices made by FCT natives. “Our ancestral lands and properties have been taken in the name of progress, yet we are left marginalised,” he lamented. Similarly, Hon. Bala Iya, representing the Kpaduma community, condemned what he described as a persistent pattern of injustice and discriminatory practices. He highlighted the seizure of farmlands without adequate compensation, which has disrupted livelihoods and severed spiritual and cultural connections to the land. “Any resettlement must include reasonably sized land allocations, proper title documents, and financial support for building development, as approved by Development Control,” Iya insisted.
The Original Inhabitants Development Association of Abuja, represented by Giwa Bamaiyi on behalf of President Pastor Danladi Jeji, went further, demanding a constitutional amendment to secure equal rights for FCT natives. They argued that such a reform is essential to address systemic exclusion and ensure justice.
Opening the hearing, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Hon. Joe Oke Onuakalusi, urged stakeholders to express their views freely. He emphasised that the integration of FCT indigenes is not merely a local issue but one with broader implications for justice, equity, and national unity. “This is a critical step towards promoting the brotherhood embedded in Nigeria’s constitution and National Anthem,” Abbas stated.
Hon. Fredrick Agbedi, Chairman of the House Committee on Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, explained that the hearing was prompted by a motion to explore alternative approaches to resettling and integrating both indigenous and non-indigenous residents. “The FCT is a symbol of unity, built for all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or regional backgrounds,” he said. “However, growth and diversity bring complex challenges, including the displacement of indigenous communities and tensions between customary land rights and modern urban planning.”
The indigenes’ rejection of the relocation policy reflects a broader call for inclusion in the development of Nigeria’s capital. They argue that forced relocation disrupts their way of life and fails to offer viable alternatives. The push for integration, they say, aligns with the vision of Abuja as a unifying hub for all Nigerians.
As the hearing concluded, stakeholders expressed hope that lawmakers would craft legislation to address these grievances, fostering a more inclusive and equitable future for the FCT. The FCTA has yet to respond formally to the demands, but the debate underscores a growing demand for justice and fairness in the nation’s capital.
