FCT : Wike Gifts Traditional Rulers Land, Waives Statutory Fees

In a landmark move to strengthen the relationship between 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 Chiefs.

Speaking during a meeting with traditional rulers in Abuja on Friday, the Minister also announced a total waiver of all statutory fees for the land titles, acting on the direct instructions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Wike emphasized that while the legal framework governing the FCT often overlooks original ownership, the Tinubu-led administration recognizes the historical presence of indigenous people.

“We cannot deny the fact that there are indigenous people who were here before the creation of the FCT,” Wike said.

“The President said we must extend a hand of fellowship to you. If those who make peace cannot be appreciated with land, then who should be?”

The Minister who commended the monarchs for ensuring peace in their domain, promised the provision of utility vehicles to traditional rulers in the FCT.

He further listed several key infrastructure projects nearing completion in the satellite towns, scheduled for commissioning in June.

These include the Airport–Kuje Road dualization, the Bwari–Zuba Link Road, Apo–Karshi, Basan Jiwa, as well as the completion of the “Arab Road” network.

The highlight of the event was the waiver of land processing fees, which Wike noted would make it “unfair” to require traditional rulers to raise large sums of money for land they have inhabited for generations.

The Ona of Abaji, Alhaji (Dr.) Adamu Baba Yunusa, who serves as Chairman of the Council, expressed gratitude to the President and the Minister, pledging the continued support of traditional institutions to the administration’s policies.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji