By Parrot Newspaper 
Abuja Indigenes Push for Kwali as Capital of Proposed FCT State
By Ricky Awodi
Indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have intensified their call for the creation of Abuja State, proposing Kwali as its capital. This push was reinforced by the Etsu of Kwali, Mr. Luka Nizassan III, who disclosed in an interview that a formal proposal had been submitted for the review of the 1999 Constitution to grant FCT full state status.
Why Kwali?
The choice of Kwali as the potential capital of Abuja State is based on its historical and educational significance. According to the Etsu, Kwali serves as the educational hub of the FCT, hosting several key institutions, including:
National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) – responsible for developing educational curricula in Nigeria.
National Mathematical Centre (NMC) – a specialized institution for mathematical research and development.
Sheda Science and Technology Complex – a center for scientific innovation.
National Seed Council – focused on agricultural research and seed development.
Given its strategic location and existing infrastructure, stakeholders argue that Kwali is the best fit to serve as the capital of a newly created Abuja State.
Call for a Tertiary Institution
Beyond the statehood advocacy, the Etsu of Kwali also appealed to the Federal Government to establish a tertiary institution in the area. He pointed out that the University of Abuja was originally planned for Kwali before being relocated to Gwagwalada. To fast-track development, he urged the government to consider locating the newly approved FCT Federal Polytechnic in Kwali.
“The people of Kwali are ready to donate the Federal Technical College, Kwali as take-off infrastructure for the Polytechnic,” he said, emphasizing that the council has sufficient land and structures to accommodate such an institution.
A Longstanding Demand
The demand for FCT to attain state status is not new. Indigenous residents have long argued that they have been politically marginalized despite being the original inhabitants of the territory. While the idea of Abuja State remains a subject of national debate, the push for Kwali as its capital highlights the readiness of the people to take ownership of their future.
With constitutional review processes ongoing, it remains to be seen whether the Federal Government will heed their call.