Wike Gifts FCT Traditional Rulers Land Titles, Waives Fees in Landmark Move
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the allocation of land titles to members of the FCT Council of Traditional Rulers, alongside a full waiver of statutory fees tied to the ownership process.
The announcement was made during a ceremony held in Abuja on Friday, where the Minister described the decision as part of efforts to recognise and honour the indigenous communities of the territory.
According to Wike, the directive aligns with the position of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who emphasised the need to acknowledge the contributions of traditional institutions.
“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. We must give honour to whom honour is due.”
He added that traditional rulers, who play vital roles in maintaining peace and stability, deserve tangible recognition. “If those who make peace cannot be appreciated with land, who should be?” he asked.
The Minister also commended the monarchs for their contributions to what he described as the most peaceful Area Council elections ever recorded in the FCT.
As part of additional support, Wike pledged to provide utility vehicles to traditional rulers to enhance their capacity to carry out official duties effectively.
Highlighting ongoing development efforts, the Minister pointed to several infrastructure projects across satellite towns, including the dualisation of the Airport–Kuje road, the Bwari–Zuba link road, and developments in Apo, Karshi, and other areas, as well as the completion of the Arab Road network.
On the issue of fee waivers, Wike stressed that it would be unjust to require traditional rulers to pay for lands their communities have historically occupied.
“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,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the council, the Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the FCT Council of Traditional Rulers, Adamu Yunusa, expressed appreciation to both the President and the FCT administration, pledging continued cooperation with Government initiatives.
The development underscores the growing collaboration between the federal Government and traditional institutions, which continue to serve as key intermediaries in grassroots governance, conflict resolution, and community engagement across the FCT.
