Seek alternative ways to resettle FCT indigenous people, Reps tell government

The House of Representatives on Tuesday asked the Federal Capital Territory Administration to seek alternative ways of resettling or integrating indigenous and others persons residing within the Federal Capital Territory.

Adopting a motion on notice sponsored by Gaza Jonathan Gwefwi (SDP, Nasarawa) the House ask the FCT Administration to formulate policies to guide the resettlement practices within the FCT.

Gbwefi recalled 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.

He explained that due to the high cost of implementation, the administration opted for part resettlement and integration.

He said most of the land, especially the portion known as the Federal Capital City has been provided with basic infrastructure, adding that in some of areas, like parts of Garki, Jabi, Dakibu, Mabushi and Guzape have areas of planned and unplanned settlements coexisting.

He said the indigenous people are gradually being choked out by urbanization, which is also destroying the cultural and historical heritage of the natives, while the same areas are currently turning into slums and safe havens for criminal activities.

He said further that the Department of Resettlement formulated five (5) resettlement policies and imitative at different times but have yielded little or no result, adding that if this trend is left unchecked, it can lead to serious problems in the future.