Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday promised indigenous communities in the federal capital that they would receive Certificates of Occupancy (CofO) for their ancestral lands, vowing to end decades of uncertainty over land ownership.
Wike made the pledge during a thank-you visit to AMAC following the recent area council elections, where he also thanked residents for their support and reiterated the administration’s commitment to grassroots development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Traditional leaders, led by the Sapeyi of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, while thanking the minister for development strides, had urged further action on land allocations and protection of indigenous settlements.
Responding, Wike assured that the administration would protect indigenous lands, grant CofOs, and continue engaging communities directly to ensure fair development across AMAC and the entire FCT.
He reiterated the commitment of the current administration of President Bola Tinubu to inclusive governance and direct engagement with grassroots communities.
Addressing a large gathering of stakeholders, youth groups, traditional rulers and political leaders, the minister emphasized that President 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.
Wike 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, stressing that, the 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 that will be 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 corn eaters when they need votes. We must distinguish between those who are sincere and those who are not,” Wike said.
Wike also 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.
Also, the Sapeyi of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, commended the Minister for what he described as noticeable developmental strides across the FCT.
