Abuja, Nigeria – On Sunday, human rights activist Aisha Yesufu addressed residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), assuring them that they would soon reap the “dividends of their sweat” through a new legislative proposal she intends to champion if elected as the FCT senator in 2027. In a message shared via her verified X account, Yesufu outlined the key provisions of the Abuja Residents Empowerment Bill, a comprehensive initiative designed to protect tenants, promote local entrepreneurship, and expand skills training for the capital’s residents.
As the co-convener of the BringBackOurGirls movement, Yesufu emphasized that the bill would include quotas for youth- and women-led enterprises in all government procurement contracts. This provision aims to ensure that historically marginalized groups receive a fair share of public-sector business opportunities. A central aspect of the proposal is the introduction of rent-control legislation, which seeks to curb arbitrary rent increases that have burdened many households in the city. “The rent-control component of my bill will protect you from unjust rent hikes,” Yesufu stated. Additionally, the legislation would eliminate double taxation for residents and allocate funds for skills-empowerment programs. These programs, she explained, would provide “real skills” to Abuja’s workforce, enhancing employability and fostering sustainable income generation.
Furthermore, the bill proposes an “Access to Capital” clause that would allocate a portion of FCT tax revenues to a micro-loan fund aimed at supporting small-scale entrepreneurs. By directing tax money into low-interest loans, this measure seeks to nurture home-grown businesses and reduce reliance on external financing. Yesufu’s announcement comes amid growing public concern over rising living costs and limited economic opportunities in the capital. Residents have expressed their frustrations on social media regarding escalating rents, insufficient job training, and the challenges of accessing finance for start-ups.
By linking her proposed legislation to these pressing issues, Yesufu aims to position herself as a champion of grassroots economic empowerment in the lead-up to the 2027 senatorial election. Political analysts suggest that the bill’s focus on quota-based procurement and rent control could spark debate within the National Assembly, where similar measures have faced resistance from powerful interest groups. Nonetheless, Yesufu’s commitment to the transparent allocation of tax revenues and direct support for micro-entrepreneurs aligns with broader calls for inclusive growth across Nigeria’s urban centers.
If passed, the Abuja Residents Empowerment Bill would represent a significant shift in how federal capital policy addresses housing affordability, local business development, and skills acquisition. Observers will closely monitor the reception of the proposal by lawmakers and its potential to galvanize sufficient voter support for Yesufu’s senatorial campaign. The upcoming 2027 elections will ultimately determine whether the activist-turned-political candidate can transform her advocacy into legislative action, potentially reshaping the economic landscape for millions of Abuja residents.
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