The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has granted lands to members of the FCT Council of Traditional Rulers and waived all statutory fees for their land titles.
The ceremony, which took place in Abuja on Friday, also included the announcement of the fee waiver, which Wike said aligns with directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We cannot deny the fact that there are indigenous people who were here before the creation of the FCT.
“The President said we must extend a hand of fellowship to you. We must give honour to whom honour is due. If those who make peace cannot be appreciated with land, who should be?” Wike stated.
The minister praised the traditional rulers for their contribution to what he described as the “most peaceful” Area Council elections in the territory’s history.
To further support their efforts, he promised to provide utility vehicles to all traditional rulers in the FCT, “so that you will be able to carry out your duties as expected.”
Wike also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects in the satellite towns, including the dualization of the Airport-Kuje road, the Bwari-Zuba link road, developments in Apo/Karshi and Basan Jiwa, and the completion of the Arab Road network.
Regarding the fee waiver, the minister noted that it would be unjust to require traditional rulers to raise large sums to pay for lands they have occupied for generations.
“The president has also said I should waive the payment of statutory fees. We cannot give you the task to go and look for money to pay,” Wike told the traditional rulers.
The Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the Council, Adamu Yunusa, expressed gratitude to both the President and the minister, pledging continued support from the traditional institutions for government policies.
This move comes amid ongoing engagement between the federal government and traditional institutions, which play vital roles in local governance and community leadership. Over time, traditional rulers in the FCT have served as intermediaries between authorities and residents, helping maintain order during elections and in land administration.
