Federal Capital Territory Minister Authorizes Fee Waivers On Land Titles For Indigenous Traditional Rulers In Abuja

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike scraps land title fees for Abuja monarchs, citing a presidential directive to honor ancestral claims and community peace.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 28, 2026, 5:22 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Champion News

Formalization Of Land Ownership For Indigenous Authorities

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has initiated a landmark policy to secure the land rights of traditional leaders within the nation's capital. During a high level meeting in Abuja, the Minister presented official land allocation documents to members of the FCT Council of Traditional Rulers, marking a shift in how the administration engages with indigenous leadership. According to Wike, this move serves as a formal recognition of the role these monarchs play in the governance and social fabric of the territory, providing them with legal protections over their holdings.

Presidential Directive On Statutory Fee Waivers

In a significant financial concession, the government has eliminated all processing and statutory fees typically required for land title registration. Minister Wike clarified that this decision was made following a direct instruction from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who sought to ensure fairness for those who occupied these lands long before the formal establishment of the FCT. The Minister argued that it would be inherently unjust to demand substantial payments from traditional rulers for ancestral territories, highlighting the administration's intent to foster a more inclusive and respectful relationship with local stakeholders.

Recognition Of Ancestral Claims Within Legal Frameworks

The Minister addressed the historical complexities of land administration in Abuja, noting that while the current legal structure does not fully account for ancestral claims, the government remains sensitive to the roots of indigenous communities. By granting these titles, the administration is attempting to bridge the gap between modern statutory requirements and the historical reality of the indigenous people. Wike emphasized that the President is committed to treating these rulers with equity, acknowledging that their presence predates the administrative creation of the federal capital.