NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FCT ground rent: Tinubu grants 14-day grace to defaulters
Metro

FCT ground rent: Tinubu grants 14-day grace to defaulters

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has given defaulters of ground rent in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) a 14-day grace period to pay outstanding ground rent and associated penalties.

Mr Chijoke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land, FCTA, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Monday.

Nwankwoeze explained that Tinubu’s intervention followed the vigorous enforcement of the takeover of 4,794 revoked properties in the FCT by the Administration.

The revoked properties owe the FCTA more than N6 billion in unpaid ground rent, with arrears ranging from 10 to 43 years.

Following the enforcement, which began on Monday, the FCTA sealed several properties including the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party, Access Bank, and Federal Internal Revenue Service offices, all located in Wuse Zone 5.

Also sealed were the Chinese Cultural Centre, Ibro Hotel, Total Energy Petrol Station, Mamuda Group Warehouse, and the premises of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, also in Wuse.

The director said that properties owned by government institutions, corporate organisations, and individuals were affected, demonstrating the FCT Administration’s commitment to carrying out its duties without fear or favour.

Following Tinubu’s directive, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days to pay the outstanding ground rents along with penalties.

Nwankwoeze explained that defaulters in the Central Area must pay a penalty of N5 million in addition to their ground rent arrears.

“Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape districts will pay N3 million, while defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II will pay N2 million as penalties alongside their owed rents.”

He further urged individuals who purchased properties but had not yet registered their ownership by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment to do so within 14 days.

Affected property owners were advised to visit the FCT Department of Land Administration to complete registration by obtaining the required Minister’s Consent.

Nwankwoeze also announced that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had given a similar 14-day grace period for all property holders to pay their Right of Occupancy or Certificate of Occupancy bills, warning that failure to do so might result in revocation.

“Going forward, the minister has advised all property owners in the FCT to ensure timely payment of all necessary bills and charges.

“This will enable the government to continue carrying out vital developmental projects for the benefit of the people,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FCTA engages wives of traditional rulers to end GBV 
General News

FCTA engages wives of traditional rulers to end GBV 

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By Philip Yatai

Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has engaged the wives of traditional rulers to change negative social norms and other forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across the territory.

The Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, disclosed this during a meeting with the Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers Association (WOFCTTRA), in Abuja.

Benjamins-Laniyi described the initiative as a “unique model” of community engagement for collective action towards ending violence against children, women and girls, and other forms of GBV.

She added that WOFCTTRA, with representatives from the 17 chiefdoms across the six area councils of the FCT would serve as a reference point and a formidable force in community sensitisation and mobilisation.

The secretary said that the WOFCTTRA would be engaged through the FCT women affairs secretariat’s Community Engagement Department.

According to her, this is a co-creation initiative by the women affair secretariat to strengthen community engagement and participation in the design and implementation of FCTA programmes and policies.

“WOFCTTRA will serve as a strong platform for the design and implementation of government programmes and policies at local government level down to the communities and the grassroots.

“The platform will particularly play critical roles in implementing programmes and policies of the FCTA towards strengthening child protection and ending sexual and gender-based violence at community level.”

Mr Ibrahim Nurudeen, Programme Officer on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, UN Women Country Office, described the initiative as “laudable”.

According to him, engaging the wives of the traditional leaders aligns with the UN Women’s priority on engaging traditional authority in transforming social norms and addressing the root causes of GBV in communities.

Nurudeen noted that the WOFCTTRA would serve as a reference group and provides an opportunity to deepen UN Women male engagement on ending GBV.

He said that the initiative would enlarge UN Women engagement with women participating meaningfully by bringing their perspectives on how harmful social norms and practices could be transformed and made better for everyone.

“This is a model that should be replicated across the country because it is going to be lending credence to amplifying the voices of women in the work that the UN development partners, Civil Society Organisations and government agencies are doing towards addressing GBV in Nigeria,” he said.

The President of the group, Hajiya Hauwa Adamu, thanked Benjamins-Laniyi for giving them a platform and a voice in matters that affects women, adolescents and girls in the FCT.

Adamu, the wife of the Ona of Abaji, Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers in the FCT, said that wives of the traditional leaders have been confined within their houses and do not come out.

“We are virtually not seen or heard, until now; we have been left behind the doors in our homes, receiving instructions from our husbands.

“Our homes also serve as safe spaces for lost children, battered wives and abused girls and children who later return home without us having a say in the outcome of the incidents.

“In most cases, such incidents are swept under the carpet under the guise of not shaming relations and neighbours who perpetuate the act,” she said.

She explained that the wives came together, joint forces to say that perpetuators of GBV, who left survivors emotionally and psychologically broken should not go unpunished.

She described Benjamins-Laniyi’s support and inclusion of the group in governance processes as “life changing”.

“She has brought us in, empowered us, improved our capacity and linked us up with other government agencies and development partners.

“This has significantly given us a voice in the ongoing fight against violence against women and girls and all forms of GBV in the FCT, particularly at community level,” Adamu added. (NAN)

Edited by Benson Iziama

Ground rent: FCTA begins taking ownership of 4,794 revoked properties Monday
Metro

Ground rent: FCTA begins taking ownership of 4,794 revoked properties Monday

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it will begin taking possession of the 4,794 revoked properties over non-payment of ground rent between 10 and 43 years on Monday.

Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the FCTA had on March 17 announced the revocation of the 4,794 land titles over non-payment of ground rent for more than 10 years.

The Administration explained that the action contravened the terms and conditions of grant of the Rights of Occupancy, in line with the provisions of Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.

The FCT, however, gave 21-day grace to title holders, who defaulted in payment of ground rent for between one and 10 years, after which the affected titles would be revoked.

On March 19, the FCTA further announced its decision to take possession of properties built on 4,794 revoked titles in due course.

Olayinka told journalists at the press conference that the 4,794 properties were among the 8,375 property owners owing the FCT Administration N6.97 billion as ground rent.

He said that the revoked titles were located in the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama and Guzape Districts.

He explained that the properties had already reverted to the FCTA, adding that from Monday, the FCTA would begin exercising its rights of ownership on the affected landed properties.

“As usual, this will be done without consideration as to ownership of the affected landed properties. It will be purely in line with extant laws and regulations guiding the process.

“It is important to state that payment of Ground Rent on landed properties in the FCT is founded on extant legislation.

“It is clearly stipulated in the terms and conditions of grant of Right of Occupancy, and it is due for payment on the first day of January, each year, without demand,” he said.

Also, Director of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, explained that the affected properties would be sealed and access restricted beginning from Monday.

Galadima added that the FCTA would decide what to do with the affected properties after taking possession in due course.

On his part, the Director of Land, FCTA, Mr Chijioke Nwankwoeze, explained that the FCTA was compiling records of compliance to the 21-day grace given to those who defaulted for 10 years and below.

Nwankwoeze said that the FCTA would act accordingly, as soon as the records were fully compiled and analysed.

Responding to claims that some affected persons have taken the matter to court, the director said that there was no court decision on the revocation.

“As such, the FCTA is not restricted in the discharge of its lawful functions on the affected properties,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FCTA, UN Women move to strengthen childcare services in FCT
Health

FCTA, UN Women move to strengthen childcare services in FCT

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in collaboration with UN Women has taken steps to strengthen childcare licensing, regulation, and service delivery in the FCT.

The Mandate Secretary of FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi disclosed this at a training of officials of the secretariats and other social workers on childcare services in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training had participants from various key players in the child welfare sector, including government representatives, childcare service providers and international partners.

Benjamins-Laniyi said that the goal was to build the capacity of the workers with a view to upscale the standards of operations in the childcare ecosystem of the FCT.

She said that the training was also organised to review existing structures, identify gaps in the childcare framework, and proffer sustainable solutions for the betterment of childcare services across.

She added that the training, organised in collaboration with UN Women and Caring Africa, became necessary toward adopting global best practices in providing standardized childcare Services in the Territory.

“We are here to interface directly with experts in childcare services to train and retrain our staff with standard modules of registering and administering childcare services within our regulatory framework that oversees operations of orphanage homes in the FCT.

“It is believed that this gesture will go a long way to upgrade our capacity and refine our approach to our services, especially, in an ever-evolving world of childcare economy,” she said.

Mrs. Beatrice Eyong, UN Women’s Country Representative to Nigeria and the ECOWAS, acknowledged the grassroots impact of childcare and economic implications.

Eyong appreciated Benjamin-Laniyi for her dedication and continuous engagement to protecting the rights of women and children in the FCT and beyond.

Also, the Head of Child Development Department in the secretariat, Mr Idris Yahaya, said that the training would significantly improve the existing standard of operations concerning childcare.

Yayaha, a Deputy Director, added that the move would, in the long run, improve childcare service delivery across the territory.

“When a child is entrusted to care givers, for whatever reason, it entails all care on the child’s health, environment, safety, cognitive development, education and of course, record-keeping.

“Therefore, as a regulatory body, the training will improve our knowledge on childcare toward a more standardised and improved service delivery,” he said.

He disclosed that 136 orphanages and homes had been licensed and awaiting ministerial approval for crèche regulation, while the Development Control Department inspects buildings designated for new crèches.

On her part, the founder and Chief Executive Officer, Care Gap/Caring Africa, Ms Blessing Adesiyan, commended the Women Affairs Secretariat for reviewing the Guidelines for Operation of Orphanage in the FCT.

According to Adesiyan, the training will enhance effective implementation of the guidelines when approved.

She said that one of the quality indicators of good childcare was healthy development through promotion of emotional security, cognitive skills, and social interaction.

“There is also the need for a safe and clean environment with emphasis on hygiene, safety, and child-appropriate facilities, while qualified caregivers constitute trained staff with an understanding of child development and positive discipline.

“Engaging activities such as age-appropriate learning and play, outdoor engagement, and structured routines are also critical, including appropriate caregiver-child ratio to ensure personalised attention.

“There is also the need for parental involvement to encourage communication between caregivers and parents.” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

2025 budget: Wike to complete 14 ongoing road projects in FCT 
Metro

2025 budget: Wike to complete 14 ongoing road projects in FCT 

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has earmarked part of the N1.78 trillion proposed 2025 FCT statutory budget for the completion of 14 ongoing roads projects across the territory.

Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday, when he appeared before the Senate and House of Representative Committees on FCT, to defend the 2025 FCT proposed budget.

He explained that out of the N1.78 trillion, N1.28 trillion was earmarked for capital projects, representing 72.3 per cent, while N494.1 billion was set aside as recurrent expenditure, representing 27.7 per cent.

He explained that road projects, sited both in the city centre and satellite towns would be handled by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD).

The minister explained a total of N801.5 billion was allocated to the FCDA while N137 billion was allocated to the STDD for execution of capital projects.

He identified some of the projects as the completion of roads B6 and B12 and full scope development of Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX).

Also pencilled for competition is the provision of engineering infrastructure to Guzape Districts, provision of engineering infrastructure to Wuye District and provision of engineering infrastructure to Maitama II District.

“Others are the extension of Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) from Southern Parkway (S8/S9) to Ring Road II, and full scope development of FCT Highway 105 (Kuje Road) from Airport Expressway to Outer Southern Expressway OSEX with Spur at Kyami District.

“Also for completion are the construction of Northern Parkway from Ring Road II to Ring Road III (6.2Km), full scope development of Arterial Road N20 from Arterial Road N5, and Rehabilitation of Old Keffi Road.

“The full scope development of Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road II, and the provision of access road to Bus Terminals in FCT would also be completed.

“Other ongoing road projects include the dualisation and upgrading of Ushafa War College/Army Check Point Road and other Ancillary Roads, and construction of Pai to Gomani Road in Kwali Area Council and dualization of Kuje to Gwagwalada Road,” he said.

The minister explained that the 14 ongoing projects would be sped up and completed before the end of 2025 fiscal year.

According to him the expansion and rehabilitation of the roads would eventually reduce the travel time and traffic gridlock on roads within and outside the capital city. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

2025 budget: FCTA secretariats, departments to spend N351.2bn on capital projects 
Metro

2025 budget: FCTA secretariats, departments to spend N351.2bn on capital projects 

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has earmarked N418.9 billion for its Secretariat, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) in the N1.78 trillion 2025 proposed statutory budget.

Out of the N418.9 billion, N351 billion was set aside for capital expenditure and new projects, said the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, during the budget defence at the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Wike explained that out of the amount, N79.3 billion was allocated to the Transportation Secretariat with N53 billion set aside for capital expenditure and N27 billion proposed for recurrent expenditure.

He added that out of the capital expenditure, N25 billion was for the Abuja Light Rail Project rolling stock and provisions for other phases of the project.

He also said that N24 billion was earmarked for Bus Terminals development at Kugbo, Mabushi and Centre Business District.

In the education sector, the minister said that N181 billion was allocated to the Education Secretariat, out of which N61 billion was for recurrent expenditure and N120 billion for capital expenditure.

The minister said that the N120 billion include N8 billion set aside as Universal Basic Education Board counterpart fund.

He further said that a total of N54 billion was earmarked for the Health Secretariat, out of which N20 billion was for capital projects.

He added that N34 billion was for recurrent expenditure, of which N1.3 billion was earmarked for Drug Revolving g Fund.

“The FCT Administration, through the budget, seeks to complete the upgrading and rehabilitation of FCT hospitals.

“This will enhance the capacity of some of our hospitals through the procurement of modern hospital equipment and ambulances,” he said.

In the environmental sector, the minister said that the FCT Administration has proposed N22.9 billion for the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB).

He said that out of the amount, N3.9 was for capital projects while N19 billion was for operations and recurrent expenditure.

He explained that the AEPB was charged with the statutory function of ensuring and maintaining a clean and healthy environment for inhabitants of the FCT.

He disclosed that the city cleaning contracts require more than N12.3 billion per annum, while the maintenance of the Wupa Sewage Treatment Plant requires about N2.7 billion annually.

“We are also reviewing our mode of operations to initiate a more cost-efficient city cleaning strategy in the 2025 fiscal year,” he said.

To improve water supply in the FCT, Wike said that a total of N37.4 billion was set aside to enhance water treatment.

He added that out of the figure, N7.7 billion was earmarked for water treatment chemicals while N29.4 billion was for FCT Water Board”s personnel, overhead and capital expenditure.

“Through the 2025 statutory budget, we shall accelerate the implementation of the Greater Abuja Water Project being executed through a China Exim Bank Loan but for which we are to make counterpart funding provision.

“The completion of implementation of the project will extend water supply to about 26 districts and layouts.

“Noting the wide gap between current revenue generation in the water sector and its inherent potentials, as well as the need to minimise wastages, we are at advanced stage of exploiting Public Private Partnership for the deployment of pre-paid meters for dispensing of water at points of consumption.

“The successful implementation of this initiative will greatly assist in addressing the revenue shortfalls of the Sector,” he assured.

Wike further said that N8.3 billion was proposed for the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat to improve agricultural production and engagement of youths in agriculture.

This, according to him, will enhance food security, income and better standards of living in the rural communities.

“With N4 billion earmarked for capital projects, we shall invest in the provision of agricultural inputs such as improved seeds, agro-chemicals and fertilizer among others and developed cluster farm centers in both the livestock and crop production sub-sectors,” he said.

On social development sector, the minister said that a total of N23.7 billion was allocated to promote gender, youths, children development, and other vulnerable groups in the FCT.

He added that funds would also go into promotion and preservation of Nigeria’s art and culture within the FCT.

The allocation, he added, would also be challenged towards the development of sports, through the provision of sporting, cultural and recreational facilities.

He also said that while the FCT Legal Services Secretariat got N7.7 billion, with N5 billion meant for capital expenditure, a total of  N1.5 billion was earmarked for Land Department to cover personnel, overhead and capital expenditure.

He added that the Area Council Services Secretariat got a total of N37.1 billion towards ensuring effective and efficient service delivery for rural transformation, improving quality of lives of the citizens and strengthening traditional institutions.

The minister has earlier explained that out of the N1.78 trillion propose budget, N1.28 trillion was earmarked for capital projects, representing 72.3 per cent, while N494.1 billion was set aside as recurrent expenditure, representing 27.7 per cent. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Wike seeks NASS approval for FCT’s N1.78tr 2025 statutory budget  
Metro

Wike seeks NASS approval for FCT’s N1.78tr 2025 statutory budget  

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has appealed to the National Assembly to approve the FCT’s N1.78 trillion Statutory Budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year.

Wike made the call in Abuja on Wednesday, when he appeared before the Senate and House of Representative Committees on FCT, to defend the 2025 FCT proposed budget.

He explained that out of the N1.78 trillion, N1.28 trillion was earmarked for capital projects, representing 72.3 per cent, while N494.1 billion was set aside for recurrent expenditure representing 27.7 per cent.

He added that the recurrent expenditure was made up of N150.4 billion personnel cost and N343.8 billion overhead cost.

He said that the N1.78 trillion 2025 budget was N115 billion higher than the N1.67 trillion 2024 revised budget, representing a seven per cent increase.

This increase, according to the minister, was to achieve a realistic budget performance having considered the remarkable improvement in the revenue generated in the 2024 fiscal year.

Providing further breakdown of the proposed capital budget, Wike said that the N1.28 trillion was for the development of infrastructure with emphasis on completion of ongoing projects.

He added that out of the amount, N919.7 billion was dedicated for the completion of ongoing capital projects and other counterpart funded related projects aimed at enhancing socio-economic activities in the territory.

He also said that N80 billion was set aside for SUKUK loan projects, N25 billion for Abuja Light Rail project and N15 billion for Abuja Greater Water Supply project.

Wike further said that N250 billion was earmarked for commercial loans planned to complete some ongoing capital projects in federal capital and satellite towns.

He said for the capital expenditure, N801.5 billion was allocated to the Federal Capital Development Authority, which he described as the “engine room” of the FCT Administration.

Wike also said a total of N137 billion was allocated to the Satellite Towns Development Department, while N351.2 billion was set aside for other FCT Secretariats, Departments and Agencies for capital projects.

Speaking on the performance of the 2024 budget, Wike said that out of the N1.67 trillion revised budget, a total of N1.23 billion was spent as at Dec. 2024, representing 74 per cent performance.

The minister attributed the successes being recorded to the laudable support of the National Assembly and President Bola Tinubu.

“I thank you very much for the opportunity provided to the FCT Administration to defend its 2025 statutory budget proposal.

“It is my conviction that with your legislative and moral support, the development of our capital city to its envisaged status of a modern city comparable to any in the world will be achieved,” Wike said.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Sen. Ibrahim Bomai, assured the minister of the Senate support, stressing that his performances were visible to everyone.

Bomai said that the huge preference to capital expenditure was particularly commendable, describing the budget as “one of the best”.

Similarly, the Chairman, House of Representative Committee on FCT, Muktar Betara, equally commended the minister for the ongoing transformation of the FCT.

Betara assured the minister of the continued support of the Green Chamber, adding however, that the committee would carry out periodic oversights to see things for themselves and advice where necessary. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FCTA approves contracts for access roads in Durumi, Mabushi,, others  
Metro

FCTA approves contracts for access roads in Durumi, Mabushi,, others  

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By Philip Yatai
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Executive Committee has approved the award of contract for the construction of access roads in Durumi and Mabushi Districts and other infrastructural projects.

Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, while briefing journalists after the 14th committee’s meeting, chaired by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Dauda said that a contract was approved for the construction of access roads in Durumi District.

He explained that the contract would involve the construction of several access roads, drainages and culverts totalling about 1.7-kilometres in Durumi, around the Apostolic Church.

He added that the committee also approved the provision of access roads and infrastructure to parts of Mabushi District, particularly the Kez Udezue street, and other roads in the area.

He said that the scope of that project involves the provision of access roads, underground drainage services, street lighting, and other facilities like water and sewage collectors.

Also approved, according to the acting FCDA boss, is an emergency contract for erosion control affecting water pipelines.

He explained that the erosion affected a major water pipeline from Lower Usuma Dam through Kubwa to Airport Road and down to Gwagwalada.

“Erosion had taken place on the major pipeline feeding the various tanks up to Gwagwalada and it was a threat to the major water supply to all these areas.

“So, a Chinese company, CGC Nigeria Ltd. was invited to carry out the emergency work on the sites and the approval at the committee’s meeting was to finalise the emergency repair,” he said.

Dauda also said that the committee equally approved the award of contract for the complete renovation, furnishing and technical installations at the Department of State Security Headquarters.

“Another memo was for the construction of one block of a Magistrate Court in Jabi,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Mr Chidi Amadi, explained that 13 memos were submitted for consideration, out of which nine were examined and approved.

Amadi added that the nine memos were approved to deepen the infrastructural development and upgrade of the capital city and its environment. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

FCTA building inclusive, accessible territory for PwDs
Health

FCTA building inclusive, accessible territory for PwDs

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) with support from the World Bank is building an inclusive and accessible capital territory with equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, stated this in Abuja on Thursday, at the close of a three-day workshop on right-based approaches to disability-inclusive development, governance and public policy.

Represented by her Special Assistant on Social Investment, Hajiya Maijidda Kuku, the minister said that the FCT was strongly working towards an inclusive governance that leaves no one behind.

Mahmoud said that the FCT Administration would achieve this through the full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act, 2018.

She said that the workshop had not only strengthened the technical capacity of the participants but renewed collective resolve to break down barriers and promote inclusive governance.

“As we close, I urge all participants to translate the knowledge gained into concrete actions within their respective institutions.

“Together, we can build an FCT that truly reflects the values of inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all,” she said.

The minister commended President Bola Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering equity, inclusion, and dignity for all, especially for women and persons with disabilities.

She added that the workshop aligned with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a more inclusive Nigeria.

She thanked the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat for championing the disability inclusion and the World Bank for its continuous support towards social inclusion programmes in the territory.

Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, said that the workshop was part of efforts toward the domestication and implementation of UN Conventions on disability inclusion and the disability Act 2018.

Benjamins-Laniyi said that the workshop was organised with support from the World Bank to ensure the inclusion of persons with disability in all spheres of life in the FCT.

She added that following the workshop, the FCT Administration had been able to establish a framework for collective action on disability inclusion to be championed by the women affairs secretariat.

She pointed out that what began as a disability desk in the women affairs secretariat, had become a disability action for implementation, through collaboration and partnership.

She said that the women secretariat would work closely with the existing structure of the FCT Social Development Secretariat.

According to her, the platform represents a superstructure towards addressing concerns of persons with disability from the FCT Administration down to the area councils and rural communities.

“The multi-sectoral structure cut across all the secretariats of the FCT Administration with representatives from the six area councils and communities.

“The membership includes wives of the council chairmen, wives of traditional and religious leaders, women and youth groups, community structures, Civil Society Organisations (CSO) and media.

“This will represent a disability convention in FCT, that brings together all the stakeholders – the administration, international collaboration, community and CSOs partnership

“This is a very crucial model to ensure full implementation of the disability Act in all the nukes and crannies of the FCT.”

She said that the move aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu’s administration

“For us, this is not just a slogan but a renewed hope of clearly articulated and intentional political will to impact all communities and leave no one behind, particularly persons with disabilities,” she added. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FCTA domesticates disability Act, mulls commission for implementation
Gender

FCTA domesticates disability Act, mulls commission for implementation

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By Philip Yatai

The Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has begun processes toward the domestication and implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.

The Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, disclosed this at a three-day workshop on rights-based approach to disability-inclusive development, government and public policy.

The workshop was organised in collaboration with the World Bank for management staff and stakeholders across all sectors and sections of the FCT.

Benjamins-Laniyi added that the workshop was also organised to develop the needed strategy toward establishment of FCT Disability Commission to ensure full implementation of the Act.

She described the Act as a legislation that aimed to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and promote their inclusion in all aspects of society.

According to her, the domestication and implementation of the Act in FCT are crucial steps towards creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for persons with disabilities.

“This workshop is designed to equip us with the essential technical knowledge, skills, and orientation necessary for the effective domestication and implementation of the Act.

“I am confident that the discussions and deliberations over the next three days will provide valuable insights and practical solutions to the challenges we face in promoting disability inclusion.”

The pioneer mandate secretary said she had always been passionate about promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.

She said that the establishment of Disability Desk served as a testament to her commitment to disability inclusion and support.

“This desk is dedicated to ensuring that the needs of women and children with disabilities are addressed and that they have equal access to opportunities and services,” she said.

Benjamins-Laniyi thanked the World Bank for the continued support in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.

She assured of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s commitment to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, which he described as another capital project deserving due attention.

“Let us work together to ensure that the FCT becomes a model for disability inclusion and accessibility, and that persons with disabilities are empowered to reach their full potential.

“Nothing about persons with disabilities without them. We cannot make any decision that affects them without them being present,” she added.

Hadjia Majida Adamu, Special Assistant to the FCT Minister of State, and Coordinator, Social Investment Programme, commended Benjamins-Laniyi for the bold step.

Adamu said that the workshop reflected a critical step towards fostering an inclusive, equitable, and rights-based society where every individual, regardless of physical ability, was given equal opportunity to thrive.

According to her, the step represents FCT’s commitment to dismantling barriers and ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into all aspects of our social, economic, and governance structures.

Mr Rex Irame, a legal practitioner and Chairman Albinism Association of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, stressed the need to pay more attention on implementation of the disability Act.

Irame said, “if we don’t take the issue of implementation seriously, then it takes away the beauty of the Act”.

Responding, Dr Adebukola Adebayo, Disability Inclusion Consultant, World Bank, expressed optimism that the Act would be fully implemented considering the divergent stakeholders and government agencies that were brought onboard.

“The FCTA has done the needful by ensuring that every institution of government and critical stakeholders were carried along.

“This has broadened the base for the implementation of the disability policy in the FCT.

“Everybody is going to work with the commission, with support from the world bank and other stakeholders to ensure that the law is not just on paper, but fully implemented,” he said.

Adedayo said that the bank would provide technical assistance to the Women Affairs Secretariat to develop the FCT Disability Policy.

He added that the world bank would also support the FCT to establish its disability commission as well as to develop and strengthen inter-agency collaborative mechanisms.

This, he said, would enable the FCT to fully implement the disability policy in line with the national disability Act. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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