FCT Natives Unveil Policy Framework For Indigenous Communities

Indigenous organisation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the auspices of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO) has unveiled a comprehensive policy framework aimed at securing the rights, development, integration and cultural preservation of indigenous communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The executive director of AOIYEO, Commandant Isaac David, during a press briefing in Abuja, yesterday, presented the proposed Abuja Original Inhabitants Communities Development Policy and Integration Guidelines (OIs-CDPIG).

David who describing it as a strategic roadmap for addressing longstanding concerns of indigenous residents affected by the development of the nation’s capital, said the policy applies to the FCT Indigenous Ethnic Groups (IEGs) recognised across the six Area Councils and their descendants.

He explained that the policy covers all 858 indigenous communities that existed before February 3, 1976, when the FCT was created. It also extends to traditional institutions, stakeholders, youth groups and women associations within the indigenous communities.

David stated that the policy is anchored on constitutional and international legal frameworks, including Sections 147, 299 and 302 of the 1999 Constitution, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN-DRIP), and previous FCT resettlement policies.

He noted that the objectives of the OIs-CDPIG include securing statutory recognition and political inclusion for indigenous inhabitants, guaranteeing land tenure rights and fair compensation and resettlement, preserving cultural heritage, languages and traditional governance structures, accelerating infrastructure and human capital development in indigenous settlements, and establishing a framework for integration without cultural erasure.

“The policy is designed to ensure that indigenous communities are not left behind in the development of the Federal Capital Territory. It seeks to balance modernization with the protection of our identity, heritage and rights,” he said.

David disclosed that the proposed framework is built around five thematic pillars.

Under Land and Housing, he said the policy proposes the establishment of a customary land rights registry, guided resettlement mechanisms and title regularisation.

On Governance and Representation, the policy advocates electoral ward reviews, a traditional council charter and a 10 per cent quota for indigenous representatives in boards and agencies of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

The Economic Empowerment component seeks SME grants, contract set-asides and agro-processing hubs for indigenous communities, while the Social Services pillar prioritises school upgrades, primary healthcare centres and water projects in indigenous settlements.

The fifth pillar, Culture and Heritage, provides for protected heritage sites, language revitalisation programmes and the establishment of an annual FCT Indigenous Day celebration.

The AOIYEO executive director further explained that the implementation framework of the policy would run through a phased five-year plan with monitoring and evaluation indicators, funding mechanisms and clearly defined inter-agency responsibilities.

He said the dispute resolution mechanism would adopt a multi-door approach involving traditional arbitration, board mediation and, where necessary, recourse to the FCT High Court.

As part of the framework, David announced the proposed establishment of the FCT Original Inhabitant Communities Development and Integration Board (FCT-OIs CDIB), which would serve as the governing structure responsible for overseeing, coordinating and monitoring implementation of the policy.

According to him, the Board’s key functions would include policy oversight through the review and approval of annual work plans from FCTA departments relating to indigenous communities; standards setting for resettlement, compensation and cultural impact assessments; stakeholder coordination between the FCTA, traditional councils and development partners; monitoring and evaluation through publication of biannual scorecards; grievance redress through a dedicated petition desk; funding advisory functions for projects under the proposed FCT Indigenous Development Fund; and submission of annual reports to the FCT Minister and the National Assembly Committee on FCT.

He said members of the Board would serve a four-year tenure renewable once, while a quorum would require two-thirds of members, including at least ten indigenous representatives. The Board is expected to meet quarterly, with provisions for emergency sessions when necessary.

David explained that the proposed 17-member Board would comprise a chairman appointed by the FCT Minister with public administration experience, six indigenous representatives drawn from the six Area Councils, representatives from the House of Representatives, the Senate, traditional councils, Urban and Regional Planning, Development Control, Lands Department, Engineering Department, Resettlement and Compensation, Health, Education and Legal Departments.

Other members would include one representative of civil society organisations focused on the FCT, one academic or legal expert on indigenous rights, one youth representative under the age of 35 nominated by indigenous stakeholders and youths, while the Director of Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development would serve as secretary in an ex-officio capacity.

The AOIYEO executive director also renewed the call for the inclusion of indigenous communities in the planned review of the Abuja Master Plan.

It can be recalled that on June 1, 2026, the organisation appealed to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to establish the Abuja Original Inhabitants Communities Development Policy and Integration Guidelines (OIs-CDPIG).

According to David, the appeal came after the minister disclosed that the FCT Administration had concluded arrangements to review the Abuja Master Plan and had scheduled discussions with the original Japanese designers of the city for July.

“We appreciate the Honourable Minister, Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike, for standing for justice, equal rights, freedom from discrimination, dignity, political and administrative rights, and the protection of the human rights of Original Inhabitants in the FCT,” he said.

David added that leaders of the 858 indigenous communities in the FCT were appealing to the minister to ensure their inclusion in the review process.

“The 858 community leaders are requesting that indigenous communities be incorporated into the review of the Abuja Master Plan so that their aspirations, needs and concerns are reflected in future development decisions,” he stated.

The AOIYEO executive director outlined what he described as the prayers of the Original Inhabitants, including the adoption of the OIs-CDPIG, comprehensive documentation of the historical, cultural, social and economic realities of indigenous communities, and the development of a policy framework based on inclusivity, sustainability and cultural preservation.