The Evolution and Challenges of Resettlement in Kubwa and Surrounding Areas
Kubwa, located along the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX), was originally planned as a resettlement town. Its primary purpose was to accommodate original indigenes who chose to relocate within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) rather than move outside, following the development of Abuja City Phase I. The concept of Kubwa as a resettlement area was implemented without any violations, leading to the successful relocation of the original inhabitants. As a result, developers in Phase I did not face significant obstacles when accessing their lands for development.
Over time, however, Abuja’s urban sprawl has extended into Kubwa. What was once considered a regional area is now seen as an extension of the city. This shift has prompted the FCT Administration to extend land allocations for city development to Kubwa, further integrating it into the urban landscape.
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A similar resettlement scheme was also established along the ONEX at Jibi, adjacent to Kubwa. It was intended for the original indigenes currently in Phase II who opted to remain within the FCT. The scheme aimed to accommodate approximately 4,000 households, including villages such as Jabi I and II, Kpaadna, Utako, Mabushi, and others. Construction began in 1999 and was completed by 2002, with the affected villages fully mobilized for resettlement.
Unfortunately, the government abruptly changed its stance, allocating the Jibi resettlement scheme to the Nigeria Police Force in preparation for the 2003 general election. The compensation received by the FCT Administration from this takeover was used to initiate new resettlement schemes at Shere/Galuwyi in Bwari and Wasa in the Abuja Municipal Area councils. Despite these efforts, the Shere/Galuwyi and Wasa Resettlement Schemes have yet to be completed, over 22 years after the initial switch. Villages like Jabi, Mabushi, Utako, Gudu, and others remain unresettled, creating ongoing challenges for plot allocation beneficiaries in Phase II.
Many of the areas not occupied by houses were ancestral farmlands. Original inhabitants planted cashew trees on these lands, using them as bargaining tools during negotiations with plot owners seeking to commence development. However, the authority has struggled to prevent such activities due to the failure to complete the resettlement process.
The resources already invested in the Shere Galuwyi, Wasa, and Apo resettlement schemes are still insufficient for completing essential facilities and utilities such as water and electricity, as well as logistics for moving the inhabitants. Consequently, these settlements remain where they are, characterized by overcrowding, poor sanitation, chaotic traffic, and lawlessness.
Illegal squatter settlements have emerged, leading to the proliferation of shanties and slums. These areas have become hubs for criminal elements. Destitutes and beggars frequently commute from these settlements, contributing to challenges such as begging and unplanned informal trading along transportation corridors during the day. At night, they engage in vandalism of critical infrastructure and contribute to environmental pollution and unsightly aesthetics in the city environment.
These villages are expanding and encroaching on adjoining transportation corridors and areas designated for district facilities and utilities. In some districts, such as Kagini and Gishiri, the village settlements are gradually enveloping most of the allocated statutory plots. This situation makes it difficult for original allottees to take over these plots for physical development.
The disorderly nature of these resettlements has made monitoring developments and policing unlawful activities challenging. This is compounded by the daily influx of people into the city. Reports of molestation and intimidation of monitoring officers have been frequently documented.
Security reports and unscheduled visits to these settlements reveal that the majority of social vices in the city originate from these areas. High numbers of perpetrators of social vices reside there, alongside the widespread use of banned motorcycles and unregistered vehicles. The implications of this dire situation on the overall management capacity of the FCT Administration cannot be overstated.
Three years ago, the FCT Administration estimated that N100 billion would be required to complete the resettlement projects for all village settlements within the FCT. This would free the FCC from the outlined implications while ensuring improved living standards for the resettled communities. Today, this amount is likely at least three times higher due to the declining value of the Naira.
There is an urgent need for the federal government to approve high-impact intervention funding to ensure the completion of these projects. As the saying goes, “A stitch in time saves nine.”
