By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
In a significant move aimed at strengthening ties between the government and traditional institutions, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially presented land allocation documents to members of the FCT Council of Chiefs.
The announcement came during a meeting with traditional rulers in Abuja on Friday. Minister Wike also confirmed a total waiver of all statutory fees associated with the land titles, a directive he attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Acknowledging the historical presence of indigenous communities, Wike noted that while the FCT’s legal framework often does not account for original ownership, the current administration is committed to recognizing their longstanding heritage.
“We cannot deny the fact that there are indigenous people who were here before the creation of the FCT,” Wike stated. “The President said we must extend a hand of fellowship to you. If those who make peace cannot be appreciated with land, who should be?”
The minister praised the monarchs for their role in ensuring what he described as the most peaceful Area Council elections in the territory’s history. To further support their efforts in maintaining stability, he also promised to provide utility vehicles for the traditional rulers.
In addition, Wike highlighted several key infrastructure projects in the FCT’s satellite towns that are nearing completion. He noted that the dualization of the Airport-Kuje road, progress on the Bwari-Zuba link road, the Apo-Karshi and Basan Jiwa roads, as well as the completion of the Arab Road network, are scheduled for commissioning in June.
The waiver of land processing fees was a central feature of the event. Wike described it as a necessary measure, stating that it would be “unfair” to ask traditional rulers to pay substantial fees for land their communities have inhabited for generations.
Responding on behalf of the council, the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji (Dr.) Adamu Baba Yunusa, who serves as Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs, expressed gratitude to the President and the minister. He reaffirmed the traditional institution’s commitment to supporting the administration’s policies.
