The minister of the federal capital territory, Nyesom Wike, has approved the allocation of lands to members of the FCT council of traditional rulers, alongside a full waiver of statutory fees tied to their land titles.
The announcement was made during a ceremony in Abuja on Friday, where Wike said the move followed 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.
He praised the traditional rulers for their role in maintaining peace, particularly during what he described as the most peaceful area council elections ever conducted in the FCT.
To strengthen their capacity, the minister also pledged to provide utility vehicles to traditional rulers across the territory, enabling them to perform their duties more effectively.
Wike further highlighted key infrastructure developments underway in satellite towns, including the dualisation of the Airport–Kuje road, the Bwari–Zuba link road, as well as ongoing projects in Apo/Karshi, Basan Jiwa, and the completion of the Arab Road network.
On the issue of the fee waiver, the minister said it would be unjust to require traditional rulers to pay for lands they have occupied for generations.
“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,” the minister told the traditional rulers.
Responding on behalf of the council, the Ona of Abaji and its chairman, Adamu Yunusa, expressed appreciation to both the president and the minister, assuring continued backing from traditional institutions for government policies.
The development comes as engagement between the federal government and traditional institutions continues to deepen, with royal leaders playing a vital role in grassroots governance, conflict resolution, and maintaining stability, especially during elections and in land-related matters.
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