FCTA considers relocation of indigenous communities in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disclosed plans to relocate some indigenous communities in Abuja as part of efforts to expand infrastructure and improve living conditions. FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said the proposed relocation would affect residents of Kpaduma village near Guzape, who are to be moved to Wasa District, where infrastructure is being […]

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disclosed plans to relocate some indigenous communities in Abuja as part of efforts to expand infrastructure and improve living conditions.

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said the proposed relocation would affect residents of Kpaduma village near Guzape, who are to be moved to Wasa District, where infrastructure is being developed.

Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Friday, Wike said the move is part of broader efforts by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address longstanding concerns of marginalisation among FCT indigenes.

“Everybody comes here and gets land with a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). What about those who were here before Abuja became the capital? Must they suffer?” he queried.

He noted that the FCTA is now integrating indigenous people into governance through political appointments and recognition of traditional rulers.

Wike added that the administration has begun issuing Certificates of Occupancy to indigenous landowners to enable them benefit economically.

He further said efforts are ongoing to provide infrastructure such as roads and water supply to satellite communities to bridge development gaps between the city centre and rural areas.