The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to grant Certificates of Occupancy (CofO) to indigenous communities in Abuja for their ancestral lands, promising to address longstanding concerns over land ownership and displacement.
Wike made the commitment on Wednesday during a thank-you visit to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) following the recent area council elections. He expressed appreciation to residents for their support and reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to grassroots development under President Bola Tinubu.
Traditional leaders, led by the Sapeyi of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, commended the minister for ongoing development efforts but urged further action to secure land rights and protect indigenous settlements.
In response, Wike assured the gathering that the FCT Administration would safeguard ancestral lands, issue CofOs to rightful owners, and sustain direct engagement with communities to promote equitable development across AMAC and the entire territory.
He reiterated that President Tinubu had mandated him to work closely with residents to restore confidence in governance, particularly at the grassroots level.
Recalling an earlier town hall meeting held amid heightened insecurity, Wike said the President directed him to reassure residents and rekindle hope in the FCT.
“I told you then that Mr. President asked me to interact with you and assure you that hope will return. Today, we can see that hope being restored,” he said.
The minister also highlighted completed projects, noting that Saburi Road—nominated by AMAC during initial consultations—had been successfully delivered and commissioned within the administration’s first six months.
“You asked for Saburi Road, and to the glory of God, it has been completed and commissioned. Governance must be reciprocal. When the people play their part, government must also fulfil its obligations,” Wike stated.
He emphasized that under Tinubu’s leadership, the FCT would no longer have a minister detached from the people.
“The President does not want a minister who stays in the office without understanding the needs of communities like Ketti, Kabusa, Wasa, or Saburi. Governance must be built on direct engagement,” he declared.
Wike also cautioned residents against politicians who only engage communities during election periods, urging them to distinguish between genuine leadership and opportunistic politics.
Reaffirming his commitment, the minister pledged to resolve lingering land disputes, prevent unjust displacement of indigenous residents, and work collaboratively with traditional rulers and community leaders to sustain development across the FCT.
Earlier, AMAC Chairman, Christopher Maikalangu, thanked the minister for his support before and during the elections, describing it as crucial to the council’s success. The Sapeyi of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, also lauded Wike for what he described as visible developmental strides across the territory.