Indigenous Group Unveils Policy Framework, Seeks Inclusion in Abuja Master Plan Review

The Abuja Original Inhabitants Youths Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO) has unveiled a comprehensive policy framework designed to protect the rights, promote the development and preserve the cultural heritage of indigenous communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while calling for their inclusion in the ongoing review of the Abuja Master Plan.

The Executive Director of AOIYEO, Commandant Isaac David, presented the proposed Abuja Original Inhabitants Communities Development Policy and Integration Guidelines (OIs-CDPIG) during a press briefing in Abuja, describing it as a strategic roadmap to address longstanding challenges faced by indigenous communities following the creation and expansion of the nation’s capital.

According to David, the policy applies to all recognised indigenous ethnic groups across the six Area Councils of the FCT and their descendants. He said it also covers the 858 indigenous communities that existed before the creation of the FCT on February

3, 1976, as well as traditional institutions, youth groups, women associations and other stakeholders.
He explained that the proposed framework is anchored on relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, including Sections 147, 299 and 302, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and previous FCT resettlement policies.

David said the policy seeks to secure statutory recognition and political inclusion for indigenous inhabitants, guarantee land tenure rights, ensure fair compensation and resettlement, preserve cultural heritage and traditional institutions, improve infrastructure and human capital development, and promote integration without eroding indigenous identities.

“The policy is designed to ensure that indigenous communities are not left behind in the development of the Federal Capital Territory. It seeks to balance modernization with the protection of our identity, heritage and rights,” he said.

Five Key Pillars of the Policy
David stated that the proposed OIs-CDPIG is structured around five major pillars:
Land and Housing: Establishment of a customary land rights registry, guided resettlement mechanisms and land title regularisation.

Governance and Representation: Electoral ward reviews, a traditional council charter and a 10 per cent representation quota for indigenous people on boards and agencies of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Economic Empowerment: Small business grants, contract allocation opportunities and agro-processing hubs for indigenous communities.

Social Services: Improved schools, primary healthcare centres and access to potable water in indigenous settlements.
Culture and Heritage: Protection of heritage sites, language revitalisation programmes and the establishment of an annual FCT Indigenous Day.

Proposed Development Board
The AOIYEO Executive Director also proposed the establishment of the FCT Original Inhabitant Communities Development and Integration Board (FCT-OIs CDIB) to oversee the implementation of the policy.

He said the proposed 17-member board would coordinate government policies affecting indigenous communities, monitor implementation, handle grievances, advise on funding for development projects and submit annual reports to the FCT Minister and the National Assembly Committee on the FCT.

According to David, the board would include representatives from the six Area Councils, the National Assembly, traditional institutions, relevant FCTA departments, civil society organisations, academia, youth groups and community development agencies.

He added that the policy provides for a five-year implementation plan, complete with funding mechanisms, monitoring and evaluation systems, clearly defined institutional responsibilities and a dispute resolution process involving traditional arbitration, mediation and judicial intervention where necessary.
Call for Inclusion in Abuja Master Plan Review

David renewed AOIYEO’s appeal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to ensure indigenous communities are actively involved in the ongoing review of the Abuja Master Plan.

He recalled that the organisation had earlier appealed to the minister on June 1, 2026, following the FCTA’s announcement that discussions with the original Japanese planners of Abuja would commence as part of the review process.

“We appreciate the Honourable Minister, Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike, for standing for justice, equal rights, freedom from discrimination, dignity, political and administrative rights, and the protection of the human rights of Original Inhabitants in the FCT,” David said.

He noted that leaders of the 858 indigenous communities are requesting formal participation in the review process to ensure their aspirations, concerns and development priorities are reflected in future planning decisions.

David said the communities are also seeking the adoption of the proposed OIs-CDPIG, comprehensive documentation of their historical, cultural and socio-economic realities, and the development of an inclusive policy framework that balances urban development with the preservation of indigenous heritage.