ABUJA: Federal Capital Territory FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, has addressed recent controversies surrounding land allocation and revocations, especially as they relate to the University of Abuja and the Abuja Technology Village.
Speaking during a Media Chat on Monday in Abuja, Wike defended his actions, particularly concerning the University of Abuja and the Abuja Technology Village, while also announcing a major enforcement drive against property owners who have defaulted on ground rent payments.
UnAbuja
Wike clarified that he did not personally revoke the 7,000 hectares of land from the University of Abuja.
He stated that the revocation had already been decided by a previous administration. Wike explained that his role was simply to implement that decision.
He questioned the university’s need for an entire 11,000 hectares, noting that other government agencies, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC Academy and the police, already occupy portions of the site.
“The former minister had revoked that land,” Wike said. “If it is your own, how did these other people get the land?”
The minister justified his actions by highlighting the urgent need for urban expansion due to Abuja’s growing population.
Ground Rent Defaulters
The FCT minister also announced an impending crackdown on property owners who have failed to pay their ground rent.
He declared that the grace period granted by President Bola Tinubu has expired, and his administration will begin sealing properties belonging to defaulters.
Wike dismissed concerns about potential political backlash, insisting that the action is necessary for the FCT’s development.
“We are going to seal all those properties. You can’t deny us the taxes we will use for development,” he stated, adding that these funds are crucial for improving sectors like health and education.
He vowed not to be swayed by “blackmail” or public criticism regarding the enforcement.
Abuja Technology Village
Wike also addressed the revocation of land from the Abuja Technology Village, citing a lack of development over a 20-year period.
Despite the FCT Administration providing the necessary infrastructure, the land was not used for its intended purpose and was instead misused for commercial activities, such as a parking space for tankers.
Wike claimed the project was plagued by corruption and was not serving its purpose.
Other FCT Initiatives
Beyond land issues, the minister defended his administration’s focus on road and bridge construction, dismissing claims that these projects were for “showmanship.”
He said they are a direct response to public complaints about traffic congestion.
Wike also mentioned the significant revenue increase at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, which he said generated over N1.2 billion in just one month after its renovation—a dramatic increase from the N50 million it previously generated annually.
The minister also called for a special intervention fund for the FCT, criticizing a local senator for not advocating for crucial funding.
He offered to sponsor journalists on a one-month tour to showcase his administration’s “educational revolution” as evidence of his broader impact beyond infrastructure.
