FCT INDIGENOUS PEOPLE DESERVE EQUAL PRIVILEGES – WIKE
…SAYS ELEVATION OF TRADITIONAL RULERS IS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR SACRIFICE
By: RABI MUSA UMAR
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to the inclusion and elevation of the indigenous people of the FCT, stating that they deserve to enjoy the same privileges as all other Nigerians residing in the nation’s capital.
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Friday, April 3, 2026, the Minister stated that for the first time in the history of the FCT, the government was deliberately identifying with the indigenous population through strategic political appointments and the recognition of traditional leadership.
Addressing the recent elevation of traditional rulers and the presentation of Certificates of Occupancy for indigenous lands, Barr. Wike stressed that these actions were taken in recognition of the good leadership provided by traditional stools as well as to bring government closer to the grassroots.
He acknowledged that the indigenous people have made significant sacrifices for the growth of the FCT, adding that they deserve the same opportunities and recognition as any other Nigerian.
According to the Minister, “Everybody comes here and gets land with C of O, what about those who were here before it was made a capital? What is their own fate? Must they suffer because here is the capital? Must they not benefit also?
“Mr. President said others come and collect land and we must give you land with C of O so that you can enjoy it. After all, C of O is given to other people who come here, they sell it and make millions of Naira. What about those who own here? Why can’t you also give them that opportunity? That is why the people are so happy with Mr. President”, Barr. Wike stated.
“This is the first time that any government has tried to identify with the indigenes of FCT in terms of appointments. Mention who from Abuja who have become a Minister before now. The Former Head of Service of the FCTA is from Abuja. That is why it will be difficult for anybody to say the people of Abuja will not appreciate what Mr. President is doing for them”.
To further bridge the development gap between the city centre and the rural areas, the Minister disclosed that the FCT Administration was aggressively providing road and water infrastructure for satellite towns to open up the rural communities and better the lives of the people.
He added that plans were also underway to relocate indigenous people from the Kpaduma village near Guzape, to the Wasa District, where the government is already providing the necessary infrastructure to ensure a seamless transition.
Responding to concerns over the pace of work in Karu, Barr. Wike reassured residents that the project was on track and will be completed and inaugurated during President Tinubu’s third year anniversary. He said his frequent site visits were to ensure contractors deliver standard work, and on schedule.
Barr. Wike further highlighted the administration’s focus on human capital, revealing that contracts have already been awarded for the renovation of over 200 schools across the FCT, with the health sector receiving similar prioritized attention.
The Minister, who also shared significant progress in the fight against crime, specifically the “One Chance” robbery syndicates, stated that security agencies have drastically reduced the scourge with increased support from the FCTA.
While noting that crime cannot be completely eradicated in any society, the Minister said the FCT Administration is providing the security agencies with the necessary support to tackle crime.
He further revealed that the upcoming commencement of operations at the new bus terminals across the FCT will serve as a structural solution to illegal transport operators and car robberies.
The Minister therefore appealed to residents to support the funding of these massive projects by paying their taxes, noting that Federal allocations alone were insufficient to cover infrastructure and overhead costs, even as he urged residents to always hold government accountable.
Speaking on the national political landscape following the successful hosting of the PDP National Convention, the Minister dismissed claims of being planted to destroy the party, asserting that his leadership is guided by the law and the party’s constitution.
On his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Barr. Wike clarified that it stems from his belief in the Renewed Hope Agenda and reaffirmed that he will support the President in the presidential election.
Regarding the tragic security incidents in Plateau State, the Minister cautioned Nigerians against politicizing tragedy. He praised President Tinubu’s empathy in visiting the state and emphasized that security is a collective responsibility. “The President is the Commander-in-Chief, but he does not preside over the various states”, the Minister said, calling for more action from the leaders in those areas.
