The House of Representatives on Tuesday emphasised the need for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to formulate effective policies guiding resettlement practices within the nation’s capital city.
The resolution was passed following the adoption of a motion on the need to find alternative ways of resettling or integrating indigenous and other persons residing within the FCT, sponsored by Hon. Gaza Jonathan.
In his lead debate, Hon. Jonathan lamented the “initial misconception regarding the Federal Capital Territory as a no man’s land and Decree 3 of 1976, which created the Federal Capital Territory and provided for the resettlement of persons within the territory. However, due to the high cost of implementation, the administration opted for partial resettlement and integration.”
“The House is aware that most of the land, especially the portion known as the Federal Capital City, has been provided with basic infrastructure.
“The House is also aware that in some areas, such as parts of Garki, Jabi, Dakibu, Mabushi, and Guzape, planned and unplanned settlements coexist.
“The House is worried that indigenous people are gradually being displaced by urbanization, which is also eroding the cultural and historical heritage of the natives, while the same areas are turning into slums and safe havens for criminal activities.
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“The House is also concerned that the Department of Resettlement has formulated five resettlement policies and initiatives at different times, but they have yielded little or no results.
“The House acknowledges that if this trend is left unchecked, it could lead to serious problems in the future,” he noted.
To this end, the House mandated its Committee on FCT Area Council and Ancillary Matters to liaise with the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, and propose alternative ways of resettling or integrating indigenous and other persons residing within the Federal Capital Territory.
The Joint Committee on FCT Area Council and Ancillary Matters, along with the Legislative Compliance Committee, was mandated to ensure compliance and report within four weeks for further legislative action.
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