Summary
Many people were moved from their ancestral lands to make way for Nigeria's capital, Abuja, in the 1980s. These people were promised compensation and new amenities but claim they have not received what was promised. The area where they used to live now hosts many important buildings, including a luxury hotel and international headquarters.
Key Facts
- People were moved from Maitama to build Nigeria's capital, Abuja, starting in the late 1980s.
- Many of those displaced say they have not received the promised compensation.
- Abuja is now home to significant buildings, such as the Transcorp Hilton hotel and the United Nations headquarters.
- Lagos was Nigeria's capital before Abuja was built.
- Abuja was chosen as it was seen as neutral ground in a country with ethnic rivalries.
- Originally, the government planned to relocate only a few inhabitants but later allowed some to stay due to high resettlement costs.
- Some displaced persons ended up in Kubwa, where they say promised amenities were lacking.
- Community leaders express ongoing grievances over broken promises and lack of resources.
