Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has allocated land to members of the Federal Capital Territory Council of Traditional Rulers and approved the waiver of statutory fees required for land titles.
The announcement was made on Friday, March 27, 2026, during a ceremony held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city. The decision, according to the minister, followed directives from Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at recognizing indigenous communities that lived in the territory before the establishment of the Federal Capital Territory.
“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.
Okay News reports that the minister also praised traditional rulers for their role in maintaining peace during what he described as the most peaceful Area Council elections ever conducted in the Federal Capital Territory. He said the government would further support the traditional institutions by providing utility vehicles to enable them to perform their responsibilities effectively.
To strengthen development in surrounding communities, Wike highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects across satellite towns. These include the dualization of the Airport to Kuje road, the Bwari to Zuba link road, development works in the Apo and Karshi districts, construction in Basan Jiwa, and the completion of the Arab Road network.
On the issue of fee waivers, the minister explained that asking traditional rulers to pay for land they had occupied for generations would be unfair.
“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 told the gathering.
Responding on behalf of the traditional leaders, the Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the Council, Adamu Yunusa, expressed appreciation to the president and the minister. He pledged continued cooperation between traditional institutions and government authorities.
Traditional rulers in the Federal Capital Territory play a significant role in local governance. They often serve as intermediaries between residents and government agencies, particularly in community leadership, land matters, and maintaining order during elections. The latest decision is expected to strengthen collaboration between the federal authorities and indigenous leadership structures in the capital.
