FCT Minister promises land rights reform during AMAC tour as traditional rulers demand protection
By A1 News International
Abuja, Nigeria — March05, 2026
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has pledged to grant Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) to indigenous communities in Abuja, in a move aimed at addressing long-standing concerns over ancestral land rights. The commitment signals a potential policy shift on one of the most contentious governance issues in the Federal Capital Territory.
What Happened
Speaking during a “gratitude tour” of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Wike said the original inhabitants of the FCT deserve formal legal recognition for lands inherited across generations.
The minister acknowledged the sacrifices made by indigenous communities during the creation of Nigeria’s capital, noting that their displacement must be addressed through concrete policy measures.
“We will do everything possible to ensure you obtain Certificates of Occupancy,” he said.
The visit formed part of a broader political engagement following recent council elections in the territory.
Push for Ancestral Land Protection
Wike argued that rapid urban development in Abuja must not continue to sideline native populations. He said granting Certificates of Occupancy would provide legal security, reduce land disputes, and protect communities from encroachment by developers.
“We must change the pattern of politics in Abuja. Wherever development takes place, the people who originally live there must be recognised,” he stated.
The minister also reiterated the administration’s infrastructure agenda, promising that the Apo–Karshi road project would be completed before the end of the year.
He linked ongoing projects to the policy direction of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasising a governance approach focused on measurable outcomes.
Traditional Rulers Raise Concerns
Traditional leaders in AMAC used the occasion to press for urgent action on land security. The Sa’Peyi of Garki Chiefdom, Usman Nga Kupi, warned that indigenous communities remain vulnerable as land allocations sometimes overlap with areas already occupied by natives.
He called on the FCT administration to formalise land ownership through Certificates of Occupancy, arguing that this would curb displacement and speculative land acquisition.
The re-elected AMAC Chairman, Christopher Maikalangu, also commended the minister’s support during the council elections, describing it as a key factor in his victory.
Background: A Long-Standing Land Dispute
The issue of land ownership in the Federal Capital Territory has remained unresolved since Abuja’s establishment, with indigenous communities often lacking formal documentation to assert their rights.
As a result, disputes between natives, developers, and government authorities have persisted, raising questions about equity and inclusion in the capital’s development framework.
Wike also cautioned residents against “power-hungry politicians,” urging voters to support leaders who remain accountable beyond election cycles.
Why It Matters
The pledge to grant Certificates of Occupancy touches on a critical governance challenge in Abuja—balancing urban expansion with the rights of indigenous populations. If implemented, the policy could redefine land ownership structures, reduce conflicts, and strengthen trust between government and host communities.
However, translating political assurances into enforceable land documentation will require institutional coordination and legal clarity.
The development raises fresh concerns about accountability and oversight in Nigeria’s public institutions.
![Nigerian military prepares to cordon the area where a man was killed by suspected rebel fighters during an attack around the Polo area of Maiduguri, Nigeria, in 2019 [File: Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters]](https://a1news.com.ng/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Nigeria-military-on-patrol.webp)
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