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By Lukman Olabiyi
The Network of Journalists on Indigenous Issues (NEJII) has called on the Nigerian government to ratify the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 169, a key treaty protecting the rights of indigenous peoples.
August 9 is marked globally as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
NEJII emphasised that ratification of the convention would help address the long-standing social, economic, and political challenges faced by the original inhabitants of Abuja (AOI), who have been marginalised for decades.
In a statement signed by NEJII Coordinator, Adewale Adeoye, the group urged the National Assembly to follow the example of countries that have ratified the convention, stressing that indigenous communities in Nigeria suffer from systemic exclusion and poverty.
“Indigenous people in Nigeria face consistent challenges of social, cultural, and economic marginalization. This situation continues to fuel the crisis and a deep feeling of distrust among the original inhabitants. Ratifying the ILO Convention 169 will go a long way in removing historical barriers to justice and inclusion faced by Abuja Original Inhabitants,” NEJII said.
The Abuja Original Inhabitants, numbering over two million, continue to live in poverty, with limited access to basic services. Meanwhile, Abuja continues to attract significant government and private investments, often on indigenous lands without adequate compensation.
ILO Convention 169 requires governments to recognize the unique status of indigenous peoples and protect their rights to their ancestral lands, including protection from displacement. Nigeria, which joined the ILO in 1960, has ratified many conventions, but has yet to ratify C169.
NEJII noted that land remains the most important asset of Abuja’s indigenous communities. Since the establishment of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 1976, much of their land has been taken over by the federal government, frequently with little or no compensation.
At present 23 countries, including 15 in Latin America such as Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico, have ratified the convention. In Africa, only the Central African Republic has ratified the treaty.
According to the United Nations, approximately 476 million indigenous people live across 90 countries, including Nigeria, home to over 5,000 different indigenous cultures.
“The ILO Convention 169 is the only legally binding international instrument that specifically addresses the rights of indigenous and tribal peoples.
“It underscores the importance of respecting indigenous cultures, land rights, and participation in decisions affecting their lives,” NEJII said.
