Historical Background of Garki and Maitama (FCT)

Historical Background of Garki and Maitama (FCT)

Garki and Maitama are located in federal capital territory (FCT) Abuja which is known to be the federal capital city of Nigeria. Abuja is one of the most significant developments which have been undertaken by the federal government.

Lagos used to be the former federal and state capital respectively. But due to the continues increase in population in the city and its antecedent urban problems it was realized that the continued retention of Lagos e.g. federal capital become impracticable, especially with its intractable traffic, poor housing and sanitation problem.

Attempt by various government to solve this problem have been met with little or no success. The only variable but rather expensive option has been the building of a new capital as an alternative to the journey to relocate the capital of the federal republic of Nigeria in august, 1975 during General Murtala Ramat Muhammad regime. As an attempt to solve the problem once and for all the General Murtala Muhammad inaugurated a panel on 9th of august, 1975 and the chairmanship of, retired late honorable Justice AkintalaAguda to examine the desirability or otherwise dual role of Lagos as a state and federal capital.

The panel was also empowered to recommend a suitable alternative should it determine the federal capital territory it Abuja was adopted and accepted. Nigeria has taken to this direction by embarking on the development of Abuja as symbol of unite to meet the aspiration of Nigeria.

In 1976, the (ADS) Abuja Geographical Information System was established and changed the responsibility of planning and envelopment of Abuja following the acceptance of the Justice AkinolaAguda’s report by the then Federal Military Government.

Garki and Maitama districts cannot be discussed without cross- reference to the concept the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Abuja itself in 1984; Abuja municipal Are Council was created.

It was formed as a result of the merger of the former three (3) (administrative units of Bwari, Karshi and municipal development Area) which are Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, Wuse and Central Area, popular towns and villages in AMAC are often referred to as satellite towns. This include KUJE, Bwari, Karshi, Nyanya, Gwagwalada, Karmo, KadoUshafa, etc which embarking on the development of Abuja as symbol of unit to meet the aspiration of Nigeria.

Federal Capital Development Authority and Abuja Geographic in format system prescribed application form to take over land assessment of land

Administration in FCT Abuja.

 1.8.1 GEOGRAPHY OF GARKI AND MAITAMA (FCT)

The federal capital territory is located in the geographical centre of the nation. It lies between latitude 725°N – 920°N and longitude. 6456-7396. It occupies an area of 8000 square kilometer. It is bounded to the north by Kaduna state to the east and south by Nasarawa state and to the southwest by kogi state and was by Niger state

1.8.2  POPULATION OF GARKI AND MAITAMA (FCT)

As of the 2006 census, the federal capital territory has a population of about 778,567. It is pertinent to point that the population arrived at after the census is fairly the actual figure, since the population has increased due to rapid movement of people from Lagos and other parts of the country to Abuja (FCT).

The people of the federal capital territory can be classified into two: the original inhabitants, which are the Gbagyis, other settlers include Nigerians from across the nation geo -ethnic groups, immigrants from different parts of the country into the territory since 1980 is expected to have positive impact on the culture, occupation, structure and general life style of the people in the years ahead. There are many Hotels and tourist areas within and outside the City Center, such as, Sheraton Hotel, Zuma Rock, IBB international Gulf, course, Abuja Amusement parks, there are also health centers in deferent parts of the territory as well as shopping centers too, at night; the streetlights bring out the beauty and landscaping of the city.

1.8.3 ECONOMY OF GARKI AND MAITAMA (FCT)

The federal capital territory, like most parts of the country is rich in both human and mineral resource. An appreciable variety of solid mineral exist in the territory, most of which are fully exploited. These include marble, in deposit, lead, rock etc.

The agricultural potentials of the territory is considered as an opportunity to invest in the small scale agro — allied industries shopping centers are also provided for the entire inhabitants to meet and patronize their needs, such centers include A real shopping center, UTC and loments store, Wuse shopping center neighborhood center, etc.

 1.8.4 POLITICAL ADMINISTRATION OF GARKI AND MAITAMA (FCT)

For smooth administration and management purpose, there are two agencies in the territory viz: The ministry of federal capital territory (MFCT) and federal capital development authority (FCDA) are both headed by the minister of federal capital territory. These agencies have various departments, each headed by a director for efficient and effective administration. MFCT the departments include education, local government, land administration, corporate affairs and finance department.

While the FCDA is responsible for the planning, design and development of the territory, it has the following department: engineering section, public work, planning and survey, health, social services and facilities.

The federal capital territory FCT has six (6) area councils, each controlled and administered by a chairman. The area councils are:

Abuja municipal are council (AMAC) Gwagwalada area council and Abaji area council, the towns and village wards are headed by traditional rulers as recognized by the government. They include the one of Abaji, Gomo of KUJE, Aguma of GwagwaladaAgabe of ugbuda, Sarkinkwali, Etsu of Gartal etc.