The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured residents of the Kuje Area Council of more infrastructure projects and a new land ownership policy aimed at empowering indigenous communities in the territory.
Wike made the commitment on Thursday, March 5, 2026, during a “thank you” visit to Kuje as part of his tour of the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory. The visit, which was held at the Kuje Town Hall, brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, and residents.
According to the Minister, the visit was directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appreciate the people of the council for their strong support during the recently concluded FCT Area Council elections.
Addressing the gathering, Wike explained that President Tinubu specifically instructed him to return to the area councils and personally thank the people and their traditional institutions for supporting candidates who aligned with the administration’s policies and development agenda.
He said the President was pleased with the election results and wanted the people to know that their loyalty and commitment would not be overlooked.
“Mr President asked me to come back to the Area Councils and tell the traditional rulers and community leaders that he appreciates them for standing by the administration during the elections,” Wike said.
He emphasised that the federal government views the relationship between the government and citizens as a mutual partnership, in which support from the people is rewarded with development projects that improve livelihoods.
During the meeting, the Minister promised that Kuje would benefit from additional infrastructure projects in recognition of the council’s political support. This pledge followed a request by the Chairman-elect, Hon. Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo, who appealed for the construction of three important road projects to enhance economic activities and improve transportation within the area.
Wike said the projects would be carefully reviewed after the newly elected chairmen of the area councils are sworn in later in June. He explained that the FCT Administration would hold a stakeholders’ meeting to identify and prioritise projects with the greatest impact on residents.
“I am very interested in Kuje. Because the people of Kuje supported us, we will also do our part by ensuring development comes to the area,” the Minister stated.
The Minister also provided updates on several ongoing infrastructure projects in the council. He recalled his earlier engagement with traditional rulers in 2023, where they raised concerns about key road networks in the area, including the abandoned Airport Road leading into Kuje and the need to dualise the road linking Garage Junction to the LEA Secretariat.
According to him, the dualization of the Garage Junction–LEA Secretariat road has already been completed and commissioned. He added that the contractor handling the Airport Road project, Arab Contractors, has returned to the site to resume work after being remobilised.
Wike noted that the project would significantly transform the area’s landscape and improve connectivity between Kuje and other parts of the FCT. He expressed confidence that the road would be among the projects to be inaugurated by President Tinubu during his third anniversary in office.
In addition, the Minister highlighted the ongoing 17-kilometre Kuje-Gwagwalada road project being executed by Gilmor Engineering. He said construction work was progressing steadily and could be ready for commissioning later this year.
Wike stressed that the current administration is determined to change the political landscape in the FCT by ensuring that campaign promises translate into completed infrastructure projects that directly improve residents’ lives.
In a significant policy announcement, the Minister also reiterated his plan to reform land ownership policies in the FCT to benefit indigenous communities.
He revealed that the administration intends to begin issuing Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) for ancestral lands belonging to FCT indigenes, a move aimed at addressing longstanding concerns about land ownership and displacement.
According to him, the policy is meant to give indigenous communities legal recognition and control over their traditional lands.
“I want to repeat the promise I made earlier. We will change the pattern of land ownership. I will begin signing Certificates of Occupancy for indigenes so they can properly own their land,” Wike stated.
The Minister explained that his decision was influenced by his personal understanding of the challenges faced by communities that lose access to their ancestral lands due to urban expansion.
While congratulating the Chairman-elect of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Danjuma Shekwolo, Wike urged him to remain accessible to the people and avoid abandoning the community after assuming office.
He warned against becoming what he called a “runaway chairman,” emphasising that political leaders must remain connected to the people who elected them.
“When you were campaigning, people could easily reach you. Now that you have won, do not distance yourself from them. Leadership requires listening and responding to the needs of the people,” the Minister advised.
Wike also encouraged residents to remain united and avoid being influenced by politicians he described as “emergency democrats” who ignored the community during their time in power but reappeared during election periods.
He urged voters to carefully assess future candidates, particularly in legislative elections, and support individuals who genuinely understand the challenges facing the FCT rather than those who focus primarily on publicity.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the outgoing Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo, praised the Minister for recognising the role played by the people of Kuje during the elections. He described Wike as a strong political leader committed to building bridges across communities.
The Gomo of Kuje, Alhaji Haruna Jibrin Tanko, also commended the Minister for giving attention to several development requests made by traditional leaders. However, he appealed for the construction of additional roads, including the Kuje-Abaji road, which he said would greatly benefit residents.
The royal father further highlighted the need for improved water supply in the council, noting that many residents still depend on wells and boreholes because of the lack of piped water.
In his remarks, the Chairman-elect, Danjuma Shekwolo, thanked the Minister and residents of Kuje for their confidence in his leadership. He pledged to work closely with the FCT Administration under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda to deliver meaningful development and economic growth to the council.
With promises of more projects and reforms aimed at empowering local communities, the visit signals the FCT Administration’s continued focus on infrastructure expansion and inclusive development across the territory.
