The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has presented land allocation documents to members of the FCT Council of Chiefs.

Presenting the documents in Abuja on Friday, the minister said the move was to strengthen the relationship between the government and indigenous authorities in the territory.

He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had waived all statutory fees for the land titles.

According to him, it would be unfair to ask traditional rulers to raise large sums of money to pay for land they have inhabited for generations.

He pointed out that while the legal frameworks of the FCT often overlook original ownership, the Tinubu-led administration recognises the historical presence and rights of indigenous people.

“We cannot deny the fact that there are indigenous people who were here before the creation of the FCT, and Mr President said we must extend a hand of fellowship to you,” he said.

The minister commended the traditional rulers for their role in ensuring “the most peaceful area council elections in the territory’s history.”

To further enhance their capacity to maintain order, Mr Wike promised to provide utility vehicles to the traditional rulers in the FCT.

He congratulated the traditional leaders who were recently elevated from second class to first class and from third class to second class.

“I sincerely congratulate you and also say that we will be receiving nominations for those who will be upgraded to third-class status, and I urge that it should be done in a very peaceful manner,” he said.

Speaking on infrastructural development, Mr Wike listed several key projects nearing completion in satellite towns and the city centre scheduled for inauguration to celebrate Mr Tinubu’s third anniversary.

He identified some projects in satellite towns, such as the Airport Road to Kuje Highway, the Bwari to Zuba link road, the Apo to Karshi Road, and Basan Jiwa, as well as the completion of the Kubwa-Bwari road.

The minister urged traditional leaders to continue praying and supporting the Tinubu administration to make a difference in the lives of Nigerians.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Ona of Abaji and chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs, Adamu Yunusa, expressed gratitude to Messrs Tinubu and Wike for the gesture.

Mr Yunusa pledged the continued support of the traditional institution in the implementation of the FCT Administration’s policies and programmes.

(NAN)