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FCT Resettlement Bill Passes Second Reading In The Senate

15 views · Published 12 November 2017 · 5:08 · Indexed 21 October 2026

Channel: Viable Tv · 2017 · News & Politics

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The proper resettlement and compensation amendment to the Federal Capital Territory Act, has passed second reading in the Senate on Thursday.

The bill which was sponsored by Senator David Umaru, Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters was first read on 27th October, 2015 making it two years of its first introduction.

In his lead debate, Umaru said the intendment of the amendments as it affected section 4 and 20 was to reflect on the realities of resettlement and compensation in the Federal Capital Territory.

He added that, the essence was to extend the functions of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), to include providing the policy framework for compensation and resettlement of original indigenes of the FCT.

He stressed that the amendment was to provide extensive interpretation of the expression, ‘’original indigenes’’ for the purposes of compensation and resettlement of the indigenous communities affected by land acquisition in the FCT.



The bill is titled “ a Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Act CAP F6 LFN 2004 and for other matters connected therewith, 2017.”

In his lead debate, Umaru said the intendment of the amendments as it affected section 4 and 20 was to reflect on the realities of resettlement and compensation in the Federal Capital Territory.

He added that, the essence was to extend the functions of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), to include providing the policy framework for compensation and resettlement of original indigenes of the FCT.

He stressed that the amendment was to provide extensive interpretation of the expression, ‘’original indigenes’’ for the purposes of compensation and resettlement of the indigenous communities affected by land acquisition in the FCT.

The chairman also said the bill when passed and assented to, would mitigate the sufferings and injustice experienced by the original indigenes of the FCT by conferring the statutory responsibility on the FCDA to provide a policy framework.

“The proposed amendment re-emphasises the provisions of Section 44(1) of the 1999 Constitution (Amended) regarding the issue of compensation.

“You will recall that a White Paper was issued by the Military Administration of Gen. Murtala Mohammed regarding the Justice Aguda Panel report on the creation of the new FCT.

“The report indicated that all lands in FCT belong to the Federal Government and that original indigenes be compensated and resettled in places of their choice outside FCT at the expense of the Federal Government,’’ he said.

He lamented the inability of government to resettle those who were dislodged in the past due to paucity of funds and the need to provide infrastructure in the FCT.

He said, “this is exemplified in the letter dated July 1, 1978 signed by the then Military Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo.

“It stated that all available meager resources be channeled towards the provision of infrastructure in FCT and not compensation and resettlement of indigenes..

“Apart from absence of consistent policy, there is no appropriate guideline for regarding land acquisition and compensation in the FCT.

“This underscores the need to empower the FCDA to make adopt a comprehensive policy for the purpose.

“This has had negative consequences on the development of the city, as most housing projects embarked upon by private estate developers and construction projects are marred by controversies and resistance from the indigenous communities.’’

He said a recent protest by Abuja natives affecting acquisition of land by Abuja Land Swap Initiative and the Abuja Centenary City project would be tackled by the amendment of the FCT Act.

Supporting the bill, the Senate Minority Whip, Sen. Philip Aduda said the bill was timely in view of the traumatic experiences FCT indigenes were subjected to.

In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki while sustaining the voice votes in favour of the bill, referred the bill to the Committee on FCT to be reported back in four weeks.

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