Helpline Social Support Initiative President Jumai Ahmadu Calls for Affirmative Political Inclusion, Resettlement Justice for FCT Natives
Dr. (Mrs.) Jumai Ahmadu, President of the Helpline Social Support Initiative, has called for urgent political prioritisation of Abuja’s original inhabitants, stressing that decades after the creation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), indigenous communities remain marginalised in their ancestral homeland.
In her position, Ahmadu noted that more than 50 years after Abuja was designated as Nigeria’s capital, many natives continue to face displacement, loss of ancestral lands, inadequate compensation, and limited political representation. She argued that promises made to the original inhabitants during the establishment of the FCT — including proper resettlement, fair compensation, and full integration into the socio-economic framework of the capital — have not been fully realised.
According to her, the persistent exclusion of indigenous communities from key political appointments and decision-making structures has contributed to the slow pace in addressing their grievances. She maintained that meaningful political inclusion is critical to resolving long-standing issues surrounding land rights, compensation, and development.
Ahmadu advocated for affirmative consideration of original inhabitants in both elective and appointive positions as a necessary corrective step to address historical imbalances. She emphasized that deliberate inclusion would ensure that the voices of FCT natives are adequately represented in governance processes affecting their communities.
Citing constitutional principles of fairness and equitable representation, she insisted that Abuja’s indigenous people deserve equal recognition within Nigeria’s political system. She warned that without concrete reforms aimed at empowering original inhabitants politically, unresolved concerns over resettlement and socio-economic justice will continue to linger.
Her call adds to ongoing discussions about the rights of Abuja’s original inhabitants and the need for inclusive governance policies that protect their interests while promoting sustainable development in the nation’s capital.
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