Minister Wike Faces Scrutiny Over Free Abuja Land Grants to Traditional Rulers

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has sparked public debate following the allocation of parcels of land in Abuja to members of the FCT Council of Traditional Rulers, alongside a waiver of all statutory fees associated with the titles.

The minister made the announcement on Friday during a ceremony in the nation’s capital, stating that the decision was in line with a directive from President Bola Tinubu.

He explained that the move was aimed at recognising indigenous communities affected by the creation of the FCT.

“We cannot deny the fact that there are indigenous people who were here before the creation of the FCT,” Wike said.

“The President said we must extend a hand of fellowship to you. We must give honour to whom honour is due.”

Wike also commended the traditional rulers for their role in maintaining peace during the recent Area Council elections, which he described as the most peaceful in the territory’s history.

However, the development has drawn criticism from some quarters, with observers questioning both the timing and implications of the gesture particularly the decision to waive statutory payments typically required for land documentation in Abuja.

Defending the waiver, the minister argued that it would be unfair to require traditional leaders to pay for lands they have historically occupied.

“The president has also said I should waive the payment of statutory fees. We cannot give you the task to go and look for money to pay,” he added.

In a further gesture, Wike pledged to provide utility vehicles to all traditional rulers in the FCT to enhance their operational efficiency.

Responding to the development, the Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers and Ona of Abaji, Adamu Yunusa, expressed appreciation to the president and the minister, reaffirming the council’s support for government policies.

The land allocation comes amid broader efforts by the federal government to strengthen engagement with traditional institutions, which play a key role in grassroots governance, particularly in areas such as land administration and local security.

Meanwhile, the FCT Administration continues to advance infrastructure projects across satellite towns, including the dualisation of the Airport–Kuje road, the Bwari–Zuba link road, and ongoing developments in Apo, Karshi and other rapidly expanding districts.