Abuja Original Inhabitants demand establishment of Development Commission

In a significant call to action, the Indigenous people of Abuja, under the aegis of the Original Inhabitants Youths and Empowerment Organisation AOIYEO, have formally requested the establishment of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Development Commission (AOIDC), aimed at addressing longstanding grievances and ensuring equitable development in the nation’s capital.

This appeal was made during a press conference, where community leaders articulated their frustrations regarding the marginalisation of Indigenous people in infrastructure and social service provision.
The spokesperson for the coalition of original inhabitants, Commandant Isaac David, underscored that Abuja has seen considerable development since becoming the capital in 1976; its original communities have largely been excluded from these advancements.

He noted, “We have witnessed rapid growth in our city, but it often feels as if the indigenous people are an afterthought. Our land has been taken and our heritage sidelined, yet we remain a vital part of Abuja’s identity.”

The call for an AOIDC comes amid growing concerns about the socioeconomic integration, resettlement, and compensation of the original inhabitants, many of whom still live in areas lacking basic amenities such as water, electricity, and quality healthcare. Leaders highlighted that these communities face challenges in accessing education and opportunities for economic advancement.

“Our children shouldn’t have to travel far to get a decent education, nor should we be deprived of our rights to basic services like clean water and healthcare due to our ethnic identities. AOIDC could play a crucial role in creating programmes specifically tailored to our needs.” Isaac reiterated

This request has garnered attention from various stakeholders and human rights advocates, who support the notion that a formal body would facilitate dialogue between the government and indigenous peoples. It could also ensure that the benefits of urban development are shared inclusively rather than disproportionately favouring external developers at the expense of local communities.

Isaac elaborated on the proposed structure of the commission, which has to be sponsored by the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Minister of the FCT, Barr Nyesom Wike, as the governor of Abuja, suggesting it would comprise representatives from the various ethnic groups residing in Abuja, as well as government officials and civil society organisations. This diversity would ensure that a broad spectrum of needs and perspectives is reflected in developmental policies.

He further equated the plights of Abuja’s original inhabitants to what was happening in Ogoni of the Niger Delta. “And if the government can establish a federal university and at the same time give the people of Ogoni a Development Commission, why should Abuja be different because these original inhabitants sacrificed 8000 sq km2 of our land for the capital city to be without any violence, unlike some areas where killings and maiming were explored to get what they deserved from government, but Abuja people have never been violent despite all the marginalisation, so we want government to look at this and place indigenous people of Abuja where they deserve compensation for being advocates of peace?”

Niyi Lawal