The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has approved the allocation of land to members of the FCT Council of Traditional Rulers and announced a waiver on all statutory fees tied to the titles.
The announcement was made during a ceremony held in Abuja on Friday, where the minister explained that the decision aligns with directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to Wike, the move is intended to recognise and honour indigenous communities who occupied the area before the establishment of the Federal Capital Territory.
He noted that traditional rulers have played a critical role in maintaining peace and stability, especially during the recent Area Council elections, which he described as the most peaceful in the territory’s history. He added that rewarding them with land was a way of acknowledging their contributions to governance and community harmony.
To further support their responsibilities, the minister also pledged to provide utility vehicles to the traditional rulers, enabling them to carry out their duties more effectively.
Wike highlighted ongoing infrastructure development across satellite towns, including projects such as the dualisation of the Airport–Kuje road, the Bwari–Zuba link road, and improvements in Apo/Karshi and other areas.
On the issue of fees, he stressed that it would be unjust to require traditional rulers to pay large sums for lands they and their ancestors have occupied for generations. As a result, all statutory charges associated with the land titles have been waived.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the Council, Adamu Yunusa, expressed appreciation to both the president and the minister. He also reaffirmed the commitment of traditional institutions to continue supporting government policies.
The development reflects ongoing efforts by the federal government to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions, which play vital roles in grassroots leadership, conflict resolution, and community engagement across the FCT.
