Wike Allocates FCT Land To Chiefs As Tinubu Grants Waiver

In a move to strengthen the relationship between the government and indigenous authorities, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has presented land allocation documents to members of the FCT Council of Traditional Rulers.

Speaking during a meeting with the Council in Abuja on Friday, the minister also announced a total waiver on all statutory fees for the Certificates of Occupancy (CofO), acting on the direct instructions of President Bola Tinubu.

Wike emphasised that while the legal framework of the FCT often overlooks original ownership, the Tinubu administration recognises the historical presence of indigenous people.

The minister began by commending the royal fathers for their role in ensuring peace during the last area council elections, describing the exercise as unprecedented in the territory’s history.

“Let me appreciate and thank all the traditional rulers for the role you played during the last area council elections by making sure that peace prevailed in your various domains.

“I think this is the first election that has been held in this FCT that was so peaceful without violence and I know you played a very major role,” he said.

He revealed that President Tinubu personally directed him to convey the administration’s gratitude, stressing that peace remains the foundation for development.

“So the president asked me to personally convey his appreciation to you as he requires that I continue to perform that honourable task of making sure that there is peace in Abuja, both the city and the satellite towns, so you would benefit and enjoy the dividend of democracy,” he stated.

Wike also congratulated chiefs who recently received elevation from second-class to first-class status, and from third-class to second-class, noting that nominations for third-class positions would also be made, and that the processes be conducted peacefully.

The minister while addressing the core issue of indigenous recognition, acknowledged the paradox of land ownership in the FCT.

“Yes, FCT by law would look as if people don’t own it, but we do know that people were here before the creation of the FCT as a federal capital territory, so we cannot deny the fact that there are no indigenous people,” Wike said.

He explained that the land allocation was a direct response to the role traditional rulers play in maintaining order.

“We see the way people have been applying for land, so if those who are traditional rulers who make peace cannot also be appreciated by giving land, we give it to other people.

“The President said we must extend his hand of fellowship to you, that is also required, and from there we move on to other indigenous of the FCT.

“The President also said that I should waive the payment of the statutory. The President said, how can you start paying? When ordinarily you are supposed to own the land.

“But because of government, it doesn’t appear that and it’s stripped off. So we cannot give you that tax to go and begin to look for money to pay. So that fee has been waived off,” he said.

Beyond the land allocation, the minister assured the traditional rulers of the administration’s commitment to spreading development to satellite towns.

He listed several infrastructure projects, noting that the Airport route to Kuje, the road from Gumani to Yanguji, the Apo to Karishi road, and the Arab Road Basangu would all be commissioned by June.

He also promised to provide utility vehicles to all members of the Council to enhance their mobility and effectiveness in carrying out their duties.

“Continue to pray for the health of the President. Continue to governance support for him,” Wike urged.

Responding on behalf of the traditional institution, the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji (Dr.) Adamu Baba Yunusa, who serves as the Chairman of the Council, expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu and Minister Wike.

He pledged the continued support of the traditional rulers for the administration’s policies and programmes, assuring that the chiefs would remain partners in sustaining peace across the territory.