Abuja Original Inhabitants Strategise On Adequate Compensation

The original inhabitants of FCT have reiterated the need for more advocacy over resettlement and adequate compensation for those whose land has been encroached upon or taken over by the government and developers.

Godwin Arome Onoja, Program Manager, Helpline Social Support Initiative, spoke at a one-day town hall meeting on strengthening the rights of FCT’s original inhabitants in Abuja and briefed the participants on their last meeting with the FCTA.

He said the town hall meeting was specifically convened to address the issue of resettlement and compensation as it affects original inhabitants who continue to suffer marginalisation through the confiscation of their ancestral land.

“While recognising that certain circumstances such as development projects, infrastructure upgrades, or other government initiatives may necessitate resettlement, measures that aim to improve our collective wellbeing.”

Arome Onoja, however, assured that the government is committed to ensuring that all residents affected by resettlement receive fair and adequate compensation because displacement can be very distressing.

He said the goal is to ensure that no one is left behind and that each person’s rights and needs are respected.

Comrade Abubakar Yahuza Karshi, an original inhabitant, said in his remarks that resettlement is not just about relocation but restoring dignity, providing support, and securing a better future for the community.