Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has assured indigenous communities in the FCT that the government will issue Certificates of Occupancy (CofO) for their ancestral lands, a move aimed at addressing long-standing concerns over land ownership and displacement.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday assured indigenous residents of the FCT that they would receive Certificates of Occupancy for lands traditionally belonging to them.
He made the commitment during a thank-you visit to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) after the recent area council elections, where he also appreciated residents for their support and discussed ongoing development efforts in the territory.
Traditional rulers, led by the Sapeyi of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, commended the minister for infrastructure projects across the FCT but called for stronger protection of indigenous settlements and clarity on land allocations.
Responding, Wike said the administration would take steps to secure ancestral lands for indigenous communities and issue Certificates of Occupancy to give them legal recognition and protection.
Speaking to residents, youth groups and political stakeholders, the minister said he was directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to maintain close contact with communities and ensure that governance in the FCT reflects the needs of the people.
He recalled an earlier town hall meeting held at a time of heightened insecurity, where he assured residents that the federal government was committed to restoring confidence and improving living conditions in the territory.
Wike also pointed to completed projects as evidence of that commitment. According to him, Saburi Road in AMAC, which residents nominated during earlier consultations, has now been completed and commissioned.
The minister said the government intends to maintain a direct relationship with communities rather than operating from a distance.
He also warned residents to be cautious of politicians who only appear in communities during election periods, urging them to support leaders who maintain consistent engagement.
Wike further assured traditional rulers that efforts were ongoing to resolve land disputes and prevent the displacement of indigenous communities.
Earlier, AMAC Chairman, Christopher Maikalangu, thanked the minister for his support before and during the elections, describing it as important to the council’s success.
The Sapeyi of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, also praised the minister for what he described as visible development projects across the Federal Capital Territory.