ABUJA — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has moved to end decades of land ownership uncertainty for original inhabitants of the nation’s capital by promising to issue Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) for their ancestral lands.
Wike made the landmark commitment on Wednesday, March 4, during a “thank you” visit to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), following the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) victory in the recently concluded FCT council elections.
Redressing Historical Injustice
Addressing a gathering of traditional rulers and community leaders, the Minister noted that the move is part of his administration’s effort to integrate indigenous people into the city’s modern development framework.
For years, FCT indigenes have complained of being “landless” in their own homes, often facing displacement without proper titles to prove ownership of their inherited territories.
“We are going to grant Certificates of Occupancy to indigenous communities for their ancestral lands,” Wike declared. “This will give you the legal right to your land, allow you to use it as collateral, and ensure that no one can just wake up and take what belongs to your forefathers without due process.”
Recognition of AMAC Support
The Minister’s visit to AMAC was seen as a victory lap following the APC’s strong performance in the council polls. Wike attributed the electoral success to the “tangible projects” his administration has executed across the area councils, promising that more development would follow the legalisation of indigenous land holdings.
“You have shown your support at the polls, and it is only fair that the government responds by securing your future,” he added.
Implementation Framework
To streamline the process, Wike directed the FCT Land Department to begin a comprehensive enumeration of indigenous settlements. He warned that the exercise would be strictly monitored to prevent non-indigenes from hijacking the process.
The Minister also reiterated his stance on ground rent, urging all property owners in the FCT to settle their outstanding debts to enable the administration to fund the infrastructure projects currently being expanded into the satellite towns.
Mixed Reactions from Activists
While many community leaders hailed the announcement as a “dream come true,” some indigenous rights activists have called for a clear timeline and a transparent vetting process.
“We have heard such promises before,” said a spokesperson for an FCT youth group. “What we want to see is the actual distribution of these documents to our people in Garki, Utako, and other ancestral enclaves.”
