The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has allocated lands to members of the FCT Council of Traditional Rulers and approved a waiver of all statutory fees associated with their land titles.
The announcement was made during a ceremony held in Abuja on Friday, where Wike explained that the decision 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 said.
The minister also commended the traditional rulers for their contribution to what he described as the “most peaceful” Area Council elections ever conducted in the Federal Capital Territory.
As part of efforts to strengthen their roles, Wike pledged to provide utility vehicles to all traditional rulers in the FCT to enhance their effectiveness in carrying out their responsibilities.
He further highlighted several ongoing infrastructure projects across satellite towns, including the dualization of the Airport–Kuje road, the Bwari–Zuba link road, developments in Apo/Karshi and Basan Jiwa, as well as the completion of the Arab Road network.
On the issue of the fee waiver, Wike maintained that it would be unjust to require traditional rulers to source funds to pay for lands they 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 stated.
Responding 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, assuring them of continued support from traditional institutions for government initiatives.
The development comes amid sustained engagement between the federal government and traditional institutions, which continue to play vital roles in grassroots governance, conflict resolution, and community leadership. Over time, traditional rulers in the FCT have served as key intermediaries between government authorities and residents, particularly in maintaining peace during elections and facilitating land administration.
What you should know
The decision by Nyesom Wike to allocate land and waive statutory fees for traditional rulers reflects a broader effort by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen ties with indigenous communities in the FCT.
Traditional rulers hold significant influence at the grassroots level, especially in maintaining peace, resolving disputes, and supporting government policies.
By removing financial barriers to land ownership and providing additional support, the government aims to recognise their contributions while fostering cooperation that could enhance stability and development within the capital territory.
