By Ifeoluwa Odunayo
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning against the growing menace of land grabbing and the widespread neglect of undeveloped plots across Abuja.
During an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects on Friday, part of preparations to mark President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office, Wike expressed frustration over the poor utilisation of vast stretches of land in the capital city.
In a pointed critique, the minister singled out the University of Abuja, accusing the institution of holding over one thousand hectares of largely idle land.
He described the situation as deeply unacceptable, given the pressing need for land development in the territory.
Wike did not spare other institutions, including the Nigeria Police Force, which he accused of hoarding large parcels of land under the pretext of future development plans.
He firmly warned that lands lying fallow may soon be reclaimed by the government and reallocated to more serious developers.
“We will not continue to watch institutions keep land without development,” Wike declared. “We will engage them in discussions, but if they fail to act, we will have no choice but to take the land back.”
The minister expressed optimism that the flurry of ongoing construction projects across Abuja would serve as an incentive for landholders to begin meaningful development, transforming the capital’s landscape and curbing the practice of land speculation.
Wike’s tough stance signals a renewed drive by the FCT administration to address the persistent challenges of land misuse and ensure Abuja’s growth aligns with its master plan.
