Wike pledges certificates of occupancy for FCT indigenous communities

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has promised to grant Certificates of Occupancy (CofO) to indigenous communities in Abuja for their ancestral lands, in a move aimed at ending decades of uncertainty surrounding land ownership in the territory.

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 Ahmed Tinubu.

Traditional rulers, led by the Sapeyi of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, had earlier commended the minister for ongoing development projects but urged further action to protect indigenous settlements and address lingering land allocation concerns.

Responding, 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 balanced development across AMAC and the broader FCT.

Addressing stakeholders, youth groups, and political leaders, the minister recalled his earlier town hall meetings held at a time of heightened insecurity in the capital.

He said President Tinubu had specifically directed him to work closely with residents and restore confidence in governance.

Wike also highlighted the completion and commissioning of the Saburi Road project, which he said was nominated by AMAC during initial consultations with area councils.

He stressed that governance must be reciprocal, noting that when communities fulfil their civic responsibilities, government must equally deliver on its promises.

The minister emphasized that under the current administration, the FCT would no longer have leadership detached from the people.

According to him, governance must involve direct interaction with residents to understand and address their needs.

He further warned against politicians who only engage communities during election seasons, urging residents to distinguish between sincere leadership and opportunistic politics.

Wike assured traditional leaders that the administration remains committed to resolving land disputes and preventing the unjust displacement of indigenous people.

He pledged continued collaboration with community leaders to sustain development efforts across AMAC and the entire Federal Capital Territory.

Earlier, AMAC Chairman Christopher Maikalangu thanked the minister for his support before and during the elections, while the Sapeyi of Garki commended what he described as visible developmental strides across the FCT.