By: Abba Onyekachukwu, Abuja.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has granted land allocation documents to members of the FCT Council of Chiefs, waiving all statutory fees for the land titles on the instructions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The move aims to strengthen the relationship between the government and indigenous authorities, recognizing the historical presence of indigenous people in the FCT. Wike emphasized the administration’s commitment to supporting those who contribute to peace and development in the territory during a meeting with traditional rulers on March 27, 2026.

“We cannot deny the fact that there are indigenous people who were here before the creation of the FCT,” Wike said, adding that the President had asked him to waive the statutory payments on the land titles. “How can you start paying when ordinarily you are supposed to own the land?” he asked.

The Minister commended the monarchs for their roles in ensuring peaceful Area Council elections and promised utility vehicles for traditional rulers to enhance their capacity to maintain order. He described the elections as “the first elections held in the FCT without violence”.

Wike conveyed the President’s appreciation to the traditional rulers in the FCT, urging them to continue sustaining peace in their domains and support the President. He assured them of more dividends of democracy, highlighting key infrastructure projects nearing completion in satellite towns.

The projects include the Airport-Kuje road dualization, the Bwari-Zuba link road, the Apo/Karshi road, and other roads, scheduled for commissioning in June. Wike congratulated the recently elevated Chiefs, saying it was done to appreciate them for keeping the peace in the city and satellite towns.

The Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs and Ona of Abaji, Alhaji (Dr.) Adamu Baba Yunusa, expressed gratitude to the President and the FCT Minister, pledging continued support for the administration’s policies and programs.

“I want to register my sincere appreciation to you for the elevations and for the allocation of land. We pray for successful tenure and blessings,” he added, speaking on behalf of the Chiefs