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Category: FCT Update

  • Wike Promises C of O for Indigenous Communities in Abuja

    Wike Promises C of O for Indigenous Communities in Abuja

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to issue Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) to indigenous people of the FCT who are living on their ancestral lands.

    Wike made the promise on Wednesday during a thank-you visit to residents of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), where he emphasised the importance of giving indigenous communities a sense of belonging in the nation’s capital.

    According to the minister, the initiative is aimed at addressing long-standing concerns about land rights among the original inhabitants of Abuja. He acknowledged the emotional and cultural significance of ancestral land to the people and assured them that his administration would work towards making the issuance of the C of O a reality.

    “We must change the pattern of politics in Abuja; we must recognise that anywhere you go to, there are people there, and we must recognise them,” Wike said.

    The minister said he understood the pain of being displaced from ancestral land and stressed that protecting indigenous settlements was a priority for his administration.

    Wike explained that his visit to AMAC was also to express appreciation to the people for supporting candidates aligned with President Bola Tinubu during the Feb. 21 FCT area council elections.

    “I am here to thank you for the support you gave to all the candidates in the area council elections. They are all supporters of Tinubu,” he stated.

    He emphasised that political relationships should be mutually beneficial, describing them as symbiotic engagements between leaders and citizens.

    “Meaning you do for me, I do for you; you fall for me, I fall for you; you push me, I push you; you love me, I love you,” the minister said.

    Wike further promised to maintain close engagement with communities in the FCT, noting that President Tinubu had directed FCT ministers to regularly visit communities to better understand their needs.

    He also urged residents to support leaders who genuinely understand their concerns rather than politicians who only appear during election periods.

    Addressing the re-elected chairman of AMAC, Christopher Maikalangu, Wike called on him to prioritise the welfare of the people and ensure that their trust was not taken for granted.

    “Anything your people want, our doors are open for you. Come to us,” he said.

    “Please do not take their support for granted. Make sure we don’t disappoint our people and make sure all their efforts do not go in vain.”

    Earlier, traditional rulers in AMAC led by the Sapeyi of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, commended the minister for ongoing development projects in the FCT and appealed for further action on land allocations and protection of indigenous communities.

    In his remarks, Maikalangu thanked Wike for supporting his re-election bid and expressed appreciation to residents of AMAC for renewing his mandate.

    He assured them that his administration would work diligently to meet their expectations and deliver on campaign promises.

  • All Eyes on Abuja as Area Council Polls Test New Electoral Law

    All Eyes on Abuja as Area Council Polls Test New Electoral Law

    Residents of Abuja are expected to file out to polling units as the nation’s capital prepares for Area Council elections that will mark the first major test of Nigeria’s newly enacted Electoral Act.

    The elections, scheduled to take place across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, will see voters elect chairmen and councillors in a process closely watched by political stakeholders and civil society groups nationwide.

    The polls come days after President Bola Tinubu signed the revised Electoral Act into law, a development that has sparked widespread debate.

    While supporters of the legislation argue that it is designed to strengthen transparency and credibility in elections, critics contend that some provisions remain controversial and could pose implementation challenges.

    Electoral officials say the Abuja polls are expected to provide an early opportunity to assess how the new law performs in practice, particularly in areas such as voter accreditation, result management, and legal compliance.

    Security agencies are expected to be deployed across the capital to ensure a peaceful voting environment, while election observers are anticipated to monitor the exercise for compliance with the new legal framework.

    Political analysts note that the conduct of the Area Council elections could shape public confidence in electoral reforms ahead of future nationwide polls.

    A smooth process may reinforce trust in the new Act, while any operational or legal disputes could intensify calls for further amendments.

    The elections are expected to take place amid heightened public interest, with attention focused not only on local governance outcomes but also on the broader implications for Nigeria’s evolving democratic process.

  • FCTA Sweeps 607 Beggars, Mentally Challenged Persons Off Abuja Streets

    FCTA Sweeps 607 Beggars, Mentally Challenged Persons Off Abuja Streets

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has removed no fewer than 607 beggars and mentally challenged individuals from the streets of Abuja between July 2025 and date, as part of efforts to enhance security and maintain order in the nation’s capital.

    Mrs Ukachi Adebayo, Head of Enforcement at the FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS), disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

    Adebayo said the exercise was carried out by the Operation Sweep Abuja team, established to rid the city of criminal elements. She explained that out of the 607 persons evacuated, 583 were beggars, while 23 were mentally challenged individuals.

    According to her, those apprehended were counselled and profiled before being taken to their respective state liaison offices for return to their states of origin, where they are expected to undergo rehabilitation.

    “What we do when we apprehend them is to counsel them in order to properly profile them. After that, we take them to their liaison offices to be returned to their states,” Adebayo said.

    She noted that despite repeated evacuations, many of the individuals often return to the streets of Abuja, attributing the trend to insecurity in some states of origin. She added that the operation would remain ongoing.

    Similarly, the Acting Director of Social Welfare at the SDS, Mrs Gloria Onwuka, said investigations revealed that some children seen begging on the streets were brought in from other states by unidentified individuals who collect the proceeds from them.

    Onwuka disclosed that in many cases, women arrested with children begging were not their biological mothers, describing street begging as a growing business.

    “Begging is now run like a business. People hire children from other states and bring them to Abuja to beg, while the families of the children are often unaware,” she said.

    Also speaking, Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary of the FCTA Command and Control Centre, said Operation Sweep Abuja is a joint security operation involving relevant security agencies as well as FCT secretariats, departments and agencies.

    He explained that the initiative was instituted by the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, to rid Abuja of miscreants, beggars, scavengers and other criminal elements, noting that beggars pose security threats and contribute to the defacing of the city.

    Olumuji added that some beggars serve as informants to criminals, while others become victims of kidnapping and ritual-related crimes.

    He recalled that Wike, in October 2024, declared a war on street begging in Abuja, citing concerns that the city was fast turning into a “beggars’ city.”

    The minister had stressed that the move was aimed at strengthening security and ensuring that residents and visitors could live and move around the capital without fear.

  • 12 Killed in Multiple-Vehicle Crash on Yangoji–Abaji Road in Abuja

    12 Killed in Multiple-Vehicle Crash on Yangoji–Abaji Road in Abuja

    No fewer than 12 people lost their lives on Sunday following a fatal multiple-vehicle accident along the Yangoji–Abaji corridor of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    The incident was confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), FCT Sector Command, through its Public Education Officer, Mrs Helen Nnaji, quoting the Sector Commander, Mr Felix Theman.

    According to the FRSC, the crash occurred at about 11:45 a.m. at Gada Biyu, with the first distress call received two minutes later. A patrol team from Zebra 6 Unit, Yangoji, arrived at the scene within seven minutes.

    Four vehicles were involved in the crash: two Volkswagen Golf cars (registration numbers GWA 162 KZ and ABJ 111 NW), a Ford Sharon bus (AFN 325 YL), and a Volvo Randon trailer (ANC 665 XA).

    Preliminary investigations indicated that speed limit violation and loss of control caused a chain collision.

    Eyewitnesses reported that the trailer, owned by African Natural Resources and Mines Ltd and conveying coal from Gujeni in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, lost control and rammed into an illegal roadside motor park.

    A total of 18 people were involved in the crash, including eight adult males, four adult females, two male children and four female children.

    Twelve persons, comprising four adult males, two adult females, two male children and four female children lost their lives. Three others sustained injuries, while three escaped unhurt.

    FRSC personnel administered first aid at the scene and evacuated the injured victims to Abaji General Hospital for medical treatment.

    The deceased were released to their families for burial in accordance with religious and cultural practices. Recovered items were secured by the FRSC.

    Wreckage from one of the vehicles involved in the multiple-vehicle accident at Gada Biyu on the Yangoji–Abaji road in Abuja, where at least 12 people were killed.

    The Motor Traffic Division (MTD) of the Nigerian Police, Kwali Division, has taken over the investigation to determine additional factors responsible for the crash.

    The FRSC commander expressed condolences to the families of the victims and warned motorists, especially commercial drivers, against the use of illegal roadside loading and off-loading points.

    He urged road users to avoid speeding, reckless driving and dangerous overtaking, particularly in populated areas, and called for strict compliance with traffic safety regulations to prevent further loss of lives.

  • Wike Names Galadima as New SSA on Development

    Wike Names Galadima as New SSA on Development

    ControlThe Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the appointment of Mukhtar Galadima as Senior Special Assistant on Development Control and Planning.

    The announcement was made on Wednesday in Abuja by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Media.

    Galadima, a seasoned town planner, brings more than three decades of professional experience in urban planning and administration within the FCT Administration.

    Over the years, he has served in strategic capacities, including the Department of Development Control and the Satellite Towns Development Agency, before his appointment as Director of Development Control under the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council in 2016.

    He retired from the civil service in November.

    Olayinka noted that Galadima has served on key committees such as the Abuja Masterplan Restoration Task Team and the Committee on the Review of Revoked Land Titles and Change of Land Use.

    The appointment, he added, takes immediate effect.

  • New academic year: Massive turnout at Abuja schools – FCTA 

    New academic year: Massive turnout at Abuja schools – FCTA 

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says FCT schools have recorded an impressive turnout of students, pupils and teachers as they resumed 2025/2026 academic session.

    Some FCT Administration’s top management officials, led by the Secretary for Education, Dr Danlami Hayyo, said this while carrying out a routine inspection visit to schools in Abuja on Monday.

    The inspection activity was carried out in primary and secondary schools within Garki Area 11, Garki Area 3, Wuye, Wuse Zone 6 and Wuse zone 3 respectively.

    Hayyo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Joy Okeke, said both private and public schools in Abuja recorded an impressive turnout of students, pupils and teachers.

    He said that school inspection was part of the secretariat’s ritual at the beginning of every term to monitor students’ resumption and teachers’ preparedness.

    He expressed satisfaction with the resumption level .

    “This shows that the school children are ready to learn, and the teachers are also ready for their teaching activities,”he said.

    Hayyo urged the parents whose children and wards are yet to resume, to release them so that they can join others in learning.

    “All FCT schools both private and public have resumed, I am very impressed with the situation.

    “As we can see, the environment is looking well renovated. Because our Minister, Nyesom Wike’s priority is education.

    “That is why he has invested billions of naira in the renovation of the schools.

    “Relevant stakeholders are grateful to the Minister for renovating their schools because they are very good and conducive for learning”, he stated.

    On his part, James Kuta, Director and Principal, Government Science Technical College (GSTC), Area 3, Garki-Abuja, said lessons have started as the turnout was encouraging.

    Kuta said that prior to the resumption, the school management had done fumigation, levelled the grasses, cleaned the classes and hostels, for the students to begin learning.

    “They are supposed to be 1,060 plus students, we have 631 on resumption. So, we have just about 400 left, and I am sure they will be back.

    Similarly, Gold Iyabo, Principal of JSS, Garki, Area 11, revealed that on the first day of resumption, the school recorded attendance of 238 out of its total number of 520 students.

  • Ground rent: Wike threatens immediate sanction for defaulters

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Friday, demanded the list of ground rent defaulters across the territory for immediate implementation of necessary sanctions.

    Wike gave the directive in Abuja while inaugurating two committees to address land issues at River Park Estate and abuse of land use act in the FCT.

    The FCT Administration had on June 2, published a demand notice for the payment of ground rent due to the FCT Administration from 2014 to 2024.

    The FCT Administration gave the defaulters two weeks to comply.

    Wike noted that the two weeks had long elapsed into months, adding that it was time for enforcement of necessary sanctions.

    “We have allowed so much time. Initially we gave two weeks; it has passed one month, two months, three months.

    “You know how Nigerians are, if you don’t take steps nothing will happen.

    “So, all those owing, from the ones we have published up to 2025, you have to provide the list so that we commence immediate implementation.

    “This will enable us to receive the needed funds that will aid us in the development of infrastructure in the FCT,” he said.

    The minister said that the FCT 2025 budget had been passed and assented to, by President Bola Tinubu.

    He, however, pointed out that without funds, there was no way the administration would undertake projects that would have a positive impact on the lives of FCT residents.

    “So, please, Directors of Land, Abuja Geographic Information System, Development Control, Urban and Regional Planning, you need to work tirelessly to make sure that this is achieved,” the minister said.

  • FCT Minister inaugurates committees on river land use abuse

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, Friday in Abuja, inaugurated two committees to address land issues at River Park Estate and abuse of the land use Act in the territory.

    Wike, while inaugurating the committees in Abuja, described the two issues as “very important” in streamlining the activities of the FCT Administration on emerging land matters.

    He said that the River Park Committee would be chaired by the General Counsel/Secretary, Legal Service Secretariat and acting Director, Public Service as secretary.

    He pointed out that sometimes the government gives out letters of intent to those who declare interest to develop mass housing.

    According to him,  the FCT Administration always signs MoUs with estate developers, adding,  however, that in most cases, the clauses in the agreements end up being violated.

    The minister explained that the river park estate committee was inaugurated to look into the land issues in the estate and advise the FCTA on the necessary steps needed to correct the anomalies.

    He said that the committee has two weeks to conclude the assignment, adding that there would be no extension of time.

    “So, if it requires you to sit from morning till night, may it be so. We will not delay,” he said.

    Wike advised the committee to carry out the task with utmost professionalism and warned the members against giving in to internal or external influence.

    “If I hear that somebody has interest, be it from outside or be it from the FCTA, particularly Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) and the administration department, you know the consequences of it.

    “If there’s any department that’s trying to stop you from getting information, let me know on time,” he said.

    The second committee was on the review of land uses/purpose clauses of land and properties at locations overtaken by commercial and other activities.

    It will be chaired by the Director, Development Control, with Director, Urban and Regional Planning as Secretary.

    Wike explained that the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) always indicates the purpose for usage, which could be for commercial, residential or other uses, in line with the provisions of the Abuja Master Plan.

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    “Today you find out that all those provisions were being violated without prior approval from the government.

    “You will see people with C of O, whose purpose is for residential, but turned to commercial. This, of course, is a violation of the certificate that was issued,” he said.

    The minister explained that the committee would identify all those areas that were in violation of the use of the C of O given to residents, as the case may be.

    He said that the area could be in the Central Business Area, Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, Wuse I, or Wuse II, as the case may be.

    “Having identified them, you have to recommend to the government what appropriate steps to be taken in compliance with extant guidelines.

    “This is very, very important to us. Are you going to say outright revocation for not complying with the provisions in the C of O or there would be a penalty if they asked for conversion and pay the appropriate fee?

    “The committee has two weeks to deliver on the task and come up with a robust recommendations of what the government is to do.

    “Like I said earlier, this job has to be done without outside or inside interference,” he said.

    Wike said that the move was necessary for the public to know what the government was doing to address the anomalies in land use in th FCT.

    Members of the river park estate committee included Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Lands, Urban and Regional Planning and Deputy Director, Land.

    Others are Director, Security Services Department, Director Development Control, and Director, AGIS.

    For the committee on the review of land uses/purpose clauses of land and properties at locations overtaken by commercial and other activities, the members included Director, Land Administration and Director, Surveying and Mapping.

    Others are Director, AGIS, and Director, Engineering Services.

  • Tinubu seeks Senate’s approval for N1.7trn 2025 FCT budget

    President Bola Tinubu has sought the approval of the Senate for the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s 2025 Appropriation Bill

    The President’s request is contained in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and read at plenary on Wednesday.

    “Pursuant to section 299 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which vests legislative powers over the Federal Capital Territory on the National Assembly, I hereby present the 2025 FCT budget proposal to the Senate for consideration.

    “The 2025 FCT Budget Proposal prioritises investment in health care services, job creation, youth empowerment, social welfare services, education infrastructure as well as increasing productivity in agriculture,” the letter read in part.

    Tinubu said that the budget was aimed at lifting as many citizens as possible out of poverty, adding that a total expenditure of N1.7 trillion was proposed for the 2025 fiscal year.

    He said that 85 per cent of the capital expenditure was dedicated to the completion of ongoing projects, while 15 per cent was earmarked for new capital projects.

    “This is to sustain the ongoing efforts at providing basic infrastructure and social amenities in the FCT,” he said.

    Tinubu expressed the hope that the budget proposal would receive the expeditious consideration and passage by the senate. 

  • Court adjourns N500m suit filed by scavengers, beggars against Wike

    Court adjourns N500m suit filed by scavengers, beggars against Wike

    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, adjourned a suit filed by some vulnerable FCT residents, against the Minister, Nyesom Wike, until May 5 for hearing.

    The aggrieved residents comprised of scavengers, beggars, petty traders, among others.

    They sued the minister, the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, among others, demanding N500 million in damages over alleged breach of their fundamental rights.

    Justice James Omotosho adjourned the suit after counsel for the plaintiff, Usman Chamo, informed the court that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had just served him with its counter affidavit.

    Chamo said he would need more time to file a response to the application.

    The lawyers, who appeared for the defence, did not oppose the application and the matter was adjourned until May 5 for hearing.

    The NSCDC (civil defence), in its counter affidavit deposed to by Goodness Akomolafe, denied all the allegations.

    In the application dated and filed April 15, the civil defence said it had not violated the applicant’s fundamental human rights in any way.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a legal practitioner, Abba Hikima, filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024 before Justice Omotosho on behalf of the vulnerable residents.

    Hikima, listed as the applicant in the originating motion dated Nov. 19, 2024, but filed Nov. 20, 2024, said he is suing in public interest for the protection of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.

    The applicant sued Wike; I-G; Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS) and NSCDC as 1st to 4th respondents in his bid to stop their alleged arbitrary arrest on Abuja streets.

    The lawyer also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Federal Government of Nigeria as 5th to 6th respondents respectively.

    He is praying for an order awarding the sum of N500 million as general and exemplary damages for the violation of the fundamental rights of the affected citizens.

    He prayed the court to declare that “the arbitrary arrest, detention without charges, harassment and extortion of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, beggars and other vulnerable Nigerians resident in the FCT, constitute a violation of their fundamental rights.

    The rights, they said, are guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as altered).”

    “A declaration that the treatment of vulnerable citizens, including verbal harassment, physical threats, extortion, and detention without charge, constitutes inhumane and degrading treatment contrary to Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “A declaration that Nigerians regardless of their economic status, place, birth or appearance, have the liberty to move freely in the FCT, Abuja including the liberty to sleep on public roads without let, permission or hindrance whatsoever in accordance with the spirit and purpose of Sections 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution.”

    He is, therefore, seeking “an order directing the respondents to issue a public apology to the affected individuals and Nigerian citizens at large for the inhumane, arbitrary and unconstitutional treatment meted on them pursuant to the directive of the 1st respondent (Wike) dated the 22nd October, 2024.

    “An order mandating the respondents to set in motion and implement immediate policies and reforms, including public education for the realisation of the fundamental human rights of vulnerable Nigerians residing in Nigeria.”

    Hikima averred that on Nov. 12, 2024, at about 11pm, on the Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja, he sighted a motorcade of a joint task force security operatives and enforcement officers, including personnel of the military and police arresting numerous individuals perceived as homeless persons, scavengers and beggars.

    He alleged that those arrested include hawkers of goods such as ice cream, sweets and biscuits; petty traders conducting lawful businesses along the roadside and persons dressed in ways reflecting their economic hardship or appearing homeless.

    According to him, the individuals were forcefully apprehended, verbally harassed and subjected to physical threats in full view of all passersby, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

    He said he felt devastated as a human rights lawyer, and decided to trail the task force’s motorcade from a reasonable distance to Eagle Square along Shehu Shagari Way where they dropped off the victims.

    He said he went back to the place where these persons were arrested and was able to get contacts of some of the victims.

    He said on Nov. 15, 2024, he organised a meeting with three of the victims namely, Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi and Judith Samuel, whose testimonies were recorded and verily believed to be correct and true.

    The lawyer said the minister gave a directive for the arrest on Oct. 22, 2024, and that it was in the guise of enforcing the directive that the joint task force was constituted to carry out the directive.

    According to him, it is not a crime to be homeless, beg or embark on a petty trade in Nigeria.

    He said the homelessness, begging and petty trading for which the trio of Abdullatif, Talatu and Judith were arrested, detained and humiliated was occasioned by the harsh and unbearable government policies being experienced all over the country.

    Hikima also attributes their plights to government’s failure and ineptitude in providing vulnerable Nigerians with security and decent lives.

    The lawyer urged the court to grant their reliefs in the interest of justice to protect the fundamental rights of citizens and ensure accountability for the respondents’ actions.