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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday assured indigenous communities in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) that the Federal Government would grant them Certificates of Occupancy (CofO) on their ancestral lands as part of efforts to address longstanding land ownership concerns.
Wike gave the assurance during a thank-you visit to AMAC following the recent area council elections, where he reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance and direct engagement with grassroots communities.
Addressing a large gathering of stakeholders, youth groups, traditional rulers and political leaders on March 4, 2026, the minister emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had mandated him to work closely with residents and restore hope in the FCT.
“I remember vividly when I came for the town hall meeting at a time insecurity was high and people had lost hope. I told you then that Mr. President asked me to come and interact with you and assure you that hope will return. Today, we are seeing that hope restored,” Wike said.
He apologized for keeping the crowd waiting, explaining that a prolonged Federal Executive Council meeting delayed his arrival.
“It is not in our character to keep our people waiting. The meeting that delayed me was also in the interest of AMAC and the FCT at large,” he stated.
The minister recalled that during his earlier engagement with residents, he asked each area council to nominate projects for commissioning within the first six months of the administration. He noted that Saburi Road, nominated by AMAC, had since been completed and commissioned.
“You asked for Saburi Road. To the glory of God, that road has been commissioned.
Relationship must not be one-sided. You do for me, I do for you. When you fulfil your part, government must fulfil its own,” he said.
Wike stressed that under President Tinubu’s administration, the FCT would no longer have ministers who remain distant from the people.
“The President does not want a Minister of FCT who will sit in the office without knowing what the people of Ketti want, what the people of Kabusa want, what the people of Wasa or Saburi want. Governance must be about direct engagement,” he declared.
He also cautioned against politicians who only identify with communities during election periods.
“Never again should politicians deceive you. Some people never visited certain communities while in office, but suddenly become emergency contractors when they need votes. We must distinguish between those who are sincere and those who are not,” Wike said.
Responding, Wike assured the traditional leaders that the administration was committed to resolving land disputes and ensuring that indigenous residents are not unfairly displaced.
He reaffirmed his dedication to fulfilling the mandate given to him by President Tinubu and pledged continued collaboration with community leaders to sustain development across AMAC and the entire Federal Capital Territory.
Earlier, AMAC Chairman, Christopher Maikalangu, thanked the minister for his visible support before and during the election, describing his involvement as instrumental to the council’s victory.
Traditional rulers, represented by the Sape of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, commended Wike for what they described as noticeable development strides across the FCT. They, however, appealed for further intervention in land allocation issues affecting indigenous settlements and requested buffer zones to protect affected communities during future developments.
