Concerns Over Land Hoarding in the FCT
As the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) prepares for a series of project inaugurations to mark President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office on May 29, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has raised concerns about land hoarding by public institutions.
He voiced his criticism during a recent inspection of the 15-kilometre OSEX Road, a vital infrastructure project handled by CGC Construction, stretching from Wassa to the EFCC Academy.
University of Abuja Under Fire
Wike praised the contractors for their impressive pace and the quality of their work. However, he expressed disappointment with how some public institutions, particularly the University of Abuja, have acquired land. He questioned the purpose of the university’s claim of over 1,000 hectares, much of which remains undeveloped. Wike called this practice “land grabbing in the name of education” and stressed that such actions undermine the real goals of education and development in the capital.
“You can’t deny progress to others while a university takes over such a huge swath of land,” Wike said, clearly upset. “For what? What is the purpose? We’ve visited universities across the country, and none of them became great just by stockpiling land. A university’s greatness lies in its infrastructure and the quality it provides, not in the land it claims.
Wike Rejects Future Expansion Excuse
When asked if the land was reserved for future expansion, Wike dismissed the idea. “Expansion for what?” he responded. “What future are we talking about when there’s nothing happening on the ground? Before long, they’ll start leasing out this land, making money off it without any real investment in education or infrastructure. If they don’t develop it, we will take it back.”
Police Force Land Mismanagement
Wike also criticized the Nigerian Police Force for letting parcels of land allocated to them years ago remain undeveloped. He sees land mismanagement as a major roadblock to the FCT’s progress. He insisted that public institutions must develop their land, or the government will reclaim it and give it to others who will put it to better use.
Next Steps for Land Reclamation
When asked if the administration would reclaim the land, Wike responded firmly. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” he said. “First, we’ll have the Director of Lands come to me. Then, we’ll invite the university and the Police to explain why they haven’t developed the land. If they can’t provide a reasonable justification, we will take action.”
A Message of Accountability for Public Institutions
Wike’s remarks reflect growing frustration with land mismanagement in the capital. With numerous projects in progress and the Tinubu administration promising development, Wike is making it clear that he will not tolerate land hoarding under his watch.
The Future of Development in the FCT
As the city prepares for the next phase of its development, Wike’s message is clear: if public institutions aren’t using their land for its intended purpose, the government will step in and hand it over to those who will.
