A Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Act CAP F6 LFN 2004 and for other matters connected therewith, 2017, has passed the second reading in the Senate.
In his lead debate, Senator Umaru said the intendment of the amendments as it affected section 4 and 20 was to reflect on the realities of resettlement and compensation in the Federal Capital Territory.
He added that the essence was to extend the functions of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to include providing the policy framework for compensation and resettlement of original indigenes of the FCT.
He stressed that the amendment was to provide extensive interpretation of the expression, “original indigenes” for the purposes of compensation and resettlement of the indigenous communities affected by land acquisition in the FCT.
The chairman also said the bill when passed and assented to, would mitigate the sufferings and injustice experienced by the original indigenes of the FCT by conferring the statutory responsibility on the FCDA to provide a policy framework.
Umaru pointed that the policy framework which ensures proper compensation and resettlement of indigenes were in line with United Nation’s convention on habitat.
“Such a policy will provide a credible and transparent resettlement and compensation procedure in the FCT.
“It will also ensure easy access to land for development purposes thereby minimizing social unrest and security threat by aggrieved compensation claimers.
“It will further deal with the issue of alleged corrupt practices by government official assigned to handle compensation claims among others.
“The proposed amendment re-emphasises the provisions of Section 44(1) of the 1999 Constitution (Amended) regarding the issue of compensation”, he said.
