The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed concern over the growing trend of land grabbing and the prevalence of undeveloped plots across the territory.
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Wike raised the alarm on Friday during an inspection tour of ongoing projects in Abuja, ahead of the second anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He specifically criticized the large portion of land acquired by the University of Abuja for its permanent site, most of which remains undeveloped.
Describing the situation as “unacceptable,” the minister questioned why a university would acquire over 1,000 hectares of land without utilizing the majority of it.
“No institution or individual should take over vast areas of land and deny others the opportunity for development,” he said.
Wike argued that the notion of acquiring massive land for “future development” was often a guise for land grabbing, pointing out that many institutions later lease the unused land to private individuals.
“It doesn’t make sense,” he said. “What makes a university is not the size of its land, but its infrastructure and the quality of training it provides.
“You can have 20,000 hectares of land and yet lack basic infrastructure. Who does that benefit? We must stop this habit of acquiring land for the sake of it.”
The minister also called out the Nigeria Police, which had similarly been allocated land but failed to develop it.
“Taking more land than needed, without any plans to develop it, is simply land grabbing—nothing more,” he said. “If you’re given land and you develop it, fine. If you don’t, the government will take it back and reallocate it to those ready to build. That is our position.”
Asked whether the FCT Administration would take immediate action, Wike said not for now. However, he noted that discussions would be held with the FCTA Director of Lands and that both the university and the police would be invited to explain the delays in developing their respective lands.
He expressed hope that the ongoing construction of a road leading to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Academy would encourage more landowners in the area to begin development.
“I’m confident that the road will attract people to come and develop their properties,” he said.
Wike also assured residents that several ongoing projects in the FCT would be completed and inaugurated in May, as part of activities marking President Tinubu’s second year in office.
Among the projects set for completion is the 15-kilometre Apo-Wassa service lane on the Outer Southern Expressway, including the access road to the EFCC Academy.
“We’re very pleased with the progress and the quality of work being done,” the minister stated. “We believe Mr. President will also be happy to see the results when he comes to inaugurate these projects.”
He commended the contractors and pledged continued support and partnership to ensure the development of the capital city.
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