Reps move to address plights of Abuja indigenous people

The House of Representatives has commenced a legislative process to address the challenges and injustice the original inhabitants of Abuja had faced over the years through the planned establishment of the FCT Compensation, Resettlement and Welfare Board. Daily Trust reports that a Bill for an Act to Establish the FCT Compensation, Resettlement and Welfare Board […]

Reps move to address plights of Abuja indigenous people

The House of Representatives has commenced a legislative process to address the challenges and injustice the original inhabitants of Abuja had faced over the years through the planned establishment of the FCT Compensation, Resettlement and Welfare Board.

Daily Trust reports that a Bill for an Act to Establish the FCT Compensation, Resettlement and Welfare Board with the primary aim of raising funds to resettle all original inhabitants occupying developed areas within the FCT and also for further resettlement projects and related matters, 2021 sponsored by Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi (Nasarawa, APC) has passed the second reading at the House.

Sponsor of the Bill, Hon Gbefwi, while speaking during an interactive session with stakeholders and representatives of indigenous people of the FCT, said the Bill when passed into law would ensure better wellbeing for the indigenous people of Abuja and restore their cultural ties.

He said the Board when it comes into being would among others ensure effective planning, projects assessment, proper resettlement and compensation of FCT aborigines, economic and social development of the people in line with the international best global practice.

Speaking during the interaction, Commissioner of FCT Public Complaints Commission, Dalhatu Ezekiel, urged the representatives of the original inhabitants of the FCT to study the provisions of the bill as well as sensitise the people to enable them make necessary inputs during the public hearing on the Bill.