ABUJA: Investors at the Abuja Technology Village Free Trade Zone have filed a lawsuit against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, challenging his decision to revoke their land plots.
The investors, a mix of foreign and local entities, argue that the minister’s actions were illegal and have put billions of naira in investments at risk.
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks to overturn the land revocation, which was officially communicated on May 13, 2025.
The FCTA cited alleged non-payment of ground rent and underdevelopment as the reasons for the revocation.
The investors’ legal team, led by M.J. Numa & Partners LLP, is making several key points in court.
The investors argue that the FCT Minister’s power cannot override the authority of the President, particularly in matters governed by federal legislation like the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority NEPZA Act.
They claim that Section 8 of the NEPZA Act explicitly exempts them from paying ground rent and other similar levies. According to the investors, the revocation was issued without any prior notice or warning, which they say goes against legal procedure.
The lawsuit asserts that NEPZA has exclusive legal and regulatory authority over designated free trade zones. They contend that the FCTA and the FCT Minister acted beyond their legal powers by revoking their land rights without NEPZA’s consent.
The investors have also raised concerns with the Presidency, stating that the minister’s action jeopardizes over N978 billion in committed investments.
They emphasize that the Abuja Technology Village is a national economic asset crucial for attracting foreign investment and innovation.
The zone hosts 29 licensed enterprises, including a significant electric vehicle and renewable energy manufacturing project.
The investors are asking the court for a declaration that the FCT Minister and FCTA acted unconstitutionally and beyond their legal powers.
They are also asking for; “An order to nullify the revocation and any subsequent reallocation of the land.
“A permanent injunction to prevent the FCTA and its agents from interfering with their operations.
“An order compelling NEPZA and other federal authorities to protect their rights as investors in the free trade zone”.
