Abuja Natives Demand Commission to Address Displacement, Cultural Protection
The indigenous people of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have made a compelling case for constitutional reforms to protect their rights, culture, and economic future. Under the banner of the Coalition of the FCT Nine Indigenous Peoples (COFIP), they’re advocating for the establishment of a dedicated development commission and significant amendments to the 1999 Constitution.
Key Demands for Constitutional Reform
During a recent public hearing in Lafia, Nasarawa State, COFIP leader Engineer Shittu S. Chidawa presented a comprehensive list of demands to the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review. The proposals aim to address what the group describes as systemic marginalization of Abuja’s original inhabitants.
Establishment of FCT Indigenous Peoples Development Commission
The coalition is pushing for the creation of the FCT Indigenous Peoples Development Commission (FCT-IPDC), which would focus on:
- Addressing displacement issues
- Preserving indigenous cultures
- Promoting economic empowerment programs
- Improving access to healthcare and education
Constitutional Amendments for Equal Representation
The group seeks revisions to Sections 147 and 299 of the Constitution to allow for:
- An indigenous FCT minister
- Or an elected official representing the territory
- Equal access to employment quotas and university admissions
- Fair political representation comparable to state citizens
Land Rights and Cultural Preservation
A significant portion of the demands focuses on protecting indigenous land rights and cultural heritage. The coalition highlighted how current laws undermine traditional authority systems.
Proposed Land Reforms
The group called for:
- Review of the Land Use Act’s application in FCT
- Customary land tenure protections
- Constitutional recognition of indigenous land ownership
- Compliance with international conventions on indigenous rights
“This is a clear violation of Articles 10, 26, and 32 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” Chidawa stated, referencing provisions that guarantee indigenous land rights and consultation requirements.
Governance and Political Representation
The coalition proposed sweeping changes to FCT’s governance structure, including:
Decentralization of Area Councils
They advocate amending Sections 7 and 303 to:
- Grant full democratic and financial autonomy to area councils
- Reinstate former local government areas
- Expand the current area council structure
Statehood and Local Governance
Other significant proposals include:
- Recognition of FCT as a full-fledged state
- Creation of an elected governor position
- Establishment of a State House of Assembly
- Constitutional protection for local elections
Cultural Preservation Concerns
Chidawa expressed deep concern about the erosion of indigenous cultures in the FCT:
“Unfortunately, no provision currently exists within the Constitution to safeguard or promote the cultural heritage of the FCT’s indigenous people. We’re gradually losing our languages, farmlands, traditions and customary governance systems due to rapid urban expansion.”
Legal Foundations for the Demands
The coalition grounded their arguments in:
- Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution (prohibiting discrimination)
- International treaties including ILO Convention 169
- UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
These proposals represent one of the most comprehensive attempts by Abuja’s indigenous communities to secure constitutional recognition and protection of their rights amid Nigeria’s rapid urbanization and development.
Full credit to the original publisher: Daily Trust