FCT Natives Demand Dialogue With Federal Gov’t Over Land Compensation

Natives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the umbrella of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Youths and Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO), have called for immediate dialogue with the federal government regarding ongoing land compensation issues affecting 858 local communities in the FCT.

In a statement on Thursday, AOIYEO’s president, Commandant David Isaac, emphasized the urgency of addressing these concerns, urging the government to initiate discussions with indigenous communities to resolve land compensation disputes and recognize their rights.

David highlighted that various advocacy groups and indigenous leaders have long advocated for the formal engagement of the government with representatives of these communities to address their historical grievances, particularly those relating to the lands taken from them during the establishment of Abuja as the nation’s capital.

“The indigenous peoples of Abuja have long been troubled by their forced displacement and the loss of culturally and historically significant lands. Since Abuja was designated the capital in 1991, many communities were relocated without adequate compensation, which has led to feelings of dispossession and marginalization,” David stated.

He noted that the impact of these displacements is still felt today, with many of the affected communities struggling to maintain their livelihoods and cultural identities. He stressed that an acknowledgment of these historical injustices is necessary to move towards reconciliation.

“Meaningful dialogue is not just a moral obligation; it is essential for healing and fostering mutual understanding between the government and the indigenous peoples,” he said.

David also pointed out that recent investigations by AOIYEO have underscored the need for government intervention at multiple levels to address these longstanding issues. He cited the involvement of human rights organizations, which have stressed the importance of including indigenous perspectives in policy discussions, particularly in a country as diverse as Nigeria.

“It is imperative for the government to take proactive measures to address past injustices. Honest dialogue can help establish trust and create effective channels for compensation,” he added.

The natives further underscored that their demand is part of a broader push for social justice and the protection of indigenous rights in Nigeria. In a specific appeal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, David urged him to replicate the same level of facilitation that led to a successful meeting between Ogoni representatives and President Bola Tinubu. He suggested organizing a similar dialogue between the government and the indigenous peoples of the FCT.

By initiating such a dialogue, David believes that both the government and the indigenous peoples can move towards addressing the grievances of the past, ensuring justice, and promoting a more inclusive and cohesive society.