Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has presented land allocation documents to members of the FCT Council of Chiefs.
Presenting the documents in Abuja on Friday, the minister said that the move was to strengthen the relationship between the government and indigenous authorities in the territory.
He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had waived all statutory fees for the land titles.
According to him, it will be unfair to ask traditional rulers to scout for large sums of money to pay for land they have inhabited for generations.
He pointed out that while the legal frameworks of the FCT often overlook original ownership, the Tinubu-led administration recognises the historical presence and rights of indigenous people.
“We cannot deny the fact that there are indigenous people who were here before the creation of the FCT and Mr President said we must extend a hand of fellowship to you,” he said.
The Minister commended the traditional ruler for their roles in ensuring “most peaceful area council elections in the territory’s history”.
To further enhance their capacity to maintain order, Wike promised the provision of utility vehicles for the traditional rulers in the FCT.
He congratulated the traditional leaders that were recently elevated from second class to first class and from third class to second class.
“I sincerely congratulate you and also say that we will be receiving nominations for those that will be upgraded to third class status and I urge that it should be done in a very peaceful manner,” he said.
Speaking on infrastructural development, Wike listed several key projects nearing completion in satellite towns and the city centre scheduled for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s third anniversary.
He identified some of the projects in satellite towns as the Airport Road to Kuje Highway, Bwari to Zuba link road, Apo to Karshi Road, Basan Jiwa as well as completion of the Kubwa-Bwari road.
He urged the traditional leaders to continue to pray and support the Tinubu administration to continue to make a difference in the life of Nigerians.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, expressed gratitude to Tinubu and Wike for the gesture.
Yunusa pledged the continued support of the traditional institution in the implementation of the FCT Administration’s policies and programmes.
