By Our Correspondent
National News – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Friday granted land allocations and waived statutory land title fees for members of the FCT Council of Traditional Rulers in Abuja, following directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The decision, announced during a ceremony attended by traditional leaders, aims to recognise indigenous communities who lived in the territory before the creation of the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike said the initiative acknowledges the historical presence and contributions of indigenous people in the FCT.
According to him, the President directed the government to strengthen its relationship with traditional institutions and give them the recognition they deserve.
The minister emphasised that the gesture was meant to honour leaders who have played key roles in maintaining peace and supporting governance within their communities.
Explaining the why and how behind the decision, Wike noted that asking traditional rulers to pay large statutory fees for land they and their ancestors have inhabited for generations would be unfair.
He therefore announced that the government would issue land titles to the rulers and waive all associated statutory charges.
“We cannot deny that indigenous people lived here long before the FCT was created.
The President asked that we extend a hand of fellowship and honour those who deserve it,” Wike said during the ceremony.
The minister also praised the traditional rulers for ensuring what he described as the most peaceful Area Council elections ever recorded in the FCT.
As part of additional support, he pledged that the administration would provide utility vehicles to traditional leaders to assist them in carrying out their duties effectively.
Wike further highlighted ongoing infrastructure development projects across satellite towns in the FCT.
These include the dualisation of the Airport–Kuje Road, the Bwari–Zuba link road, development works in Apo/Karshi and Basan Jiwa, as well as the completion of the Arab Road network.
Responding on behalf of the traditional institutions, the Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the FCT Council of Traditional Rulers, Adamu Yunusa, expressed appreciation to the President and the FCT minister.
He pledged continued cooperation between traditional leaders and the government to promote peace, development and effective governance in the territory.
The move highlights the growing role of traditional institutions in community leadership, conflict resolution, and local governance across Nigeria’s capital.
