The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has pledged to issue Certificates of Occupancy to indigenous communities in the FCT for their ancestral lands, in a move aimed at resolving long-standing ownership disputes and protecting local settlements from encroachment.
Wike made the commitment during a thank-you visit to the Abuja Municipal Area Council following the recent area council elections. Addressing traditional rulers, youth groups, political leaders and other stakeholders, the minister said the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to grassroots engagement and inclusive development across the territory.
Traditional leaders at the event, led by the Sapeyi of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, called for urgent intervention over land allocations affecting indigenous settlements. Kupi expressed concerns that plots within native communities were being allocated to third parties, leaving residents in disputes with individuals holding allocation documents. He appealed for the revocation of such allocations in affected areas to enable indigenous communities to reclaim and secure their lands.
In response, Wike assured the gathering that the Federal Capital Territory Administration would take steps to safeguard ancestral lands and provide Certificates of Occupancy to indigenous inhabitants. He referenced previous engagements with the council, recalling that the Saburi Road project was nominated by AMAC and has since been completed and commissioned. According to him, governance must be driven by mutual cooperation between government and the people.
The minister emphasised that President Tinubuโs directive is for accessible and responsive leadership in the FCT, noting that governance should not be detached from the needs of communities such as Ketti and Kabusa. He criticised politicians who only engage communities during election periods, warning residents against being misled by what he described as opportunistic actors who reappear solely for political gain.
Chairman of AMAC, Christopher Maikalangu, commended the minister for his support before and after the elections, highlighting Wikeโs consistent communication and visits to communities within the council area. He expressed appreciation for the ministerโs involvement and backing during the electoral period.
Wike further reaffirmed his commitment to collaborative development, promising to complete projects including the long-delayed Pokashi Road and to advance inclusive infrastructure delivery across the Federal Capital Territory.
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