Sponsor:
Hon. Joshua Chinedu Obika
Co-sponsor:
Rt. Hon. Kalu Benjamin Okezie (Deputy Speaker)
Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali (Deputy Majority Leader)
Hon. George Ozodinobi Ibezimako (Deputy Minority Whip)
Hon. Ukpong Emmanuel
Hon. Jonathan Gaza
Hon. Fred Agbedi
Hon. Midala Usman Balami
Hon. Amos Magaji
Hon. Inuwa Garba
Hon. Idris Salman
Hon. James Shaibu Barka
Hon. Yusuf Galambi
Hon. Donatus Mathew Kuzalio
Hon. Amobi Ogah
Hon. Joshua Gana
Hon. Paul Nnamuchi
Hon. Oluwaseyi Ayopo Sowunmi
Hon. Kobis Ari Thimnu
1.0 Protocol
Mr. Speaker, Honourable Colleagues, I am delighted for the opportunity to lead the debate on A Bill for an Act to establish Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Displaced Original Inhabitants Resettlement and Integration Agency.
2.0 Background
Abuja was established in 1976 as the Federal Capital of Nigeria. In 2006, the population of Abuja was 776,298 with households of 179,674. Ten years later, the metropolitan area of Abuja was estimated at six million people. At the moment, Abuja experiences over 35% population growth annually, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. The efforts of Federal Capital Development Authority in reconstructing Abuja to a world class Capital City has led to series of demolition exercises which have displaced original inhabitants to informal settlements. It worth noting that the reconstruction of Abuja has led to displacement of original inhabitants from settlements like Garki, Maitama, Apo, Wuse, Katampe, Mabushi, Kado, Asokoro, Jabi, Utako, Durumi, Nyaya, Karu, Kabusa, Kubwa, Npape, Lugbe, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, etc to remote areas.
Mr. Speaker, Honourable Colleagues, you may recall that in recent times, the Federal Capital Territory has witnessed significant displacement of original inhabitants, including those affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and
developmental projects carried out by the Federal Capital Development Authority in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the Mr. President.
Mr. Speaker, Honourable Colleagues, it is significant to note that the resettlement programs of previous administrations were unsuccessful, leading to more original inhabitants living in inadequate shelter, abject poverty, starvation, limited access to healthcare and educational facilities as well as constant threat of insecurity.
Mr. Speaker, Honourable Colleagues, this Agency, if established, will facilitate restoration of dignity of the original inhabitants of the FCT, provide hope, and build a more inclusive society within the nation’s capital. Similarly, the bill will facilitate systematic resettlement of displaced original inhabitants, promoting social integration and community cohesion which would reduce social tensions and prevent escalation of disputes between the original inhabitants and FCDA.
In the light of the forgoing, the bill is proposed to establish Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Displaced Original Inhabitants Resettlement and Integration Agency to provide for effective management and administration of compensation and resettlement of original inhabitants affected by development projects within the FCT.
3.0 Objectives of the Bill
The Bill seeks to:
establish Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Displaced Original Inhabitants Resettlement and Integration Agency.
address the growing challenges faced by displaced original inhabitants within our nation’s capital as a result of multidimensional structural development which is in line with the “Renew Hope Agenda” of Mr. President.
provide a systematic approach of resettling displaced original inhabitants into new communities with better support services through provision of housing, healthcare, education, and other social and infrastructural needs.
facilitate adequate management of displaced original inhabitants to address recurring cases of social tensions, disputes, and promote peace and stability in the FCT.
provide a platform for proper documentation of original inhabitants for a better policy-making and resource allocation to enhance their standard of living.
4.0 Structure of the Bill
The Bill has 22 clauses and one schedules.
Clause 1 deals with establishment of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Displaced Original Inhabitants Resettlement and Integration Agency.
Clauses 2-5 deal with composition, appointment, tenure and resignation of members of the board.
Clauses 7-9 deal with function of the Agency, powers of the board and structure of the Agency.
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Clauses 10-13 make provision for appointment of the Director-General and other staff of the Agency as well as staff regulations and pensions.
Clauses 14-16 deal with sources of funding and other financial provisions. Clauses 17-20 make provisions for legal proceedings on suit against the
Agency.
Clauses 21-22 deal with interpretations and citation.
5.0 Conclusion
Mr. Speaker, Honourable Colleagues, I thank you immensely for the kind attention and solicit your support to facilitate the expeditious passage of this Bill into law.
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HON. JOSHUA CHINEDU OBIKA-MHR
MEMBER REPRESENTING AMAC/BWARI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY FCT ABUJA
