Wike Vows Certificates of Occupancy for AMAC Indigenous Residents
FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday promised indigenous communities in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) that they would receive Certificates of Occupancy (CofO) for their ancestral lands, vowing to end decades of uncertainty over land ownership.
Wike made the pledge during a thank-you visit to AMAC following the recent area council elections, where he also thanked residents for their support and reiterated the administration’s commitment to grassroots development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I came to tell you that hope will return. Today, we are seeing that hope restored,” Wike said to cheers from residents, recalling his earlier town hall meeting where communities outlined their priorities, including road projects like the now-completed Saburi Road.
The minister warned against politicians who only show up during elections and do nothing for communities.
“Never again should politicians deceive you. Relationship is symbiotic you do your part, I do mine. When you fulfil your part, government must fulfil its own,” he said.
Responding, Wike assured residents that the administration would protect indigenous lands, grant CofOs, and continue engaging communities directly to ensure fair development across AMAC and the entire FCT.
“The President does not want ministers who remain in offices without knowing what the people want. Governance is about direct engagement, and that is what we are delivering,” he said.
AMAC Chairman, Christopher Maikalangu, praised Wike’s intervention, describing his support as instrumental in ensuring victory during the elections. Traditional leaders, led by the Sape of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, thanked the minister for development strides but urged further action on land allocations and protection of indigenous settlements.
The event drew a large turnout of residents, youth groups, and traditional leaders despite the afternoon sun, underscoring the high expectations of indigenous communities for tangible results.
