FCT Residents to Receive Land Ownership Certificates, Wike Says

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has assured indigenous communities in the Federal Capital Territory that the government will issue Certificates of Occupancy for ancestral lands to help resolve years of uncertainty surrounding land ownership.

The minister gave the assurance while visiting AMAC stakeholders to thank residents after the recent area council elections and to speak about development plans under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

During the meeting with traditional rulers, youth groups, and political stakeholders, community leaders had asked the government to take stronger action on land allocation and protect indigenous settlements from possible displacement.

Responding, Wike said the administration would work to secure indigenous lands and continue discussing with local communities to ensure fair and balanced development across AMAC and other parts of the FCT.

The minister said President Tinubu’s government is committed to governance that is close to the people. He stated that the President instructed him to interact directly with residents and rebuild hope in the territory, especially after periods of insecurity that affected public confidence.

Wike recalled earlier meetings with residents where each area council was asked to submit priority projects for government attention.

He noted that Saburi Road, which AMAC residents requested, had been completed and officially commissioned. According to him, development is a two-way responsibility where communities cooperate with government plans and government responds with infrastructure and services.

He also warned against politicians who only visit communities during election periods. He said people should be careful of leaders who suddenly become friendly during campaigns but disappear after winning elections. He urged residents to judge politicians by their actions and consistency rather than campaign promises.

The minister further assured traditional rulers that the government would continue working to resolve land conflicts affecting indigenous families. He promised that the administration would avoid policies that could unfairly push people away from their ancestral settlements.

Earlier, AMAC Chairman Christopher Maikalangu thanked the minister for his role in supporting the council during the election period and praised his involvement in local development projects.

The Sapeyi of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, also commended the minister for the visible progress recorded in the territory under his leadership.