By Omoniyi David
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced a drastic reduction in the University of Abuja’s land allocation from 11,000 hectares to 4,000 hectares, citing unauthorized acquisition and lack of documentation.
Speaking during the commissioning of new access roads in the Giri District of Abuja, Wike accused the university of land grabbing.
“The university on their own grabbed 11,000 hectares. I said that will not happen. No document, nothing,” he said. “You see them fencing everywhere, and before you know it, they would have gone to sell our land.”
Wike disclosed that the FCT Administration has recovered 7,000 hectares and directed the FCTA’s Lands Department to formally allocate only 4,000 hectares to the institution.
He said the reclaimed land will now be integrated into the district’s development plan.
The minister also revealed that internal road construction within Giri would soon begin under the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
“Be assured that maybe in the next one year, it will be a different thing,” he noted.
He further hinted at plans to partner with the National Assembly to establish more institutions in the area, promising land support to accelerate such initiatives.
Wike said the newly completed road has opened the way for immediate development of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Academy, noting that equipment can now be moved to the site to begin construction.
Addressing infrastructure challenges, the minister acknowledged that lack of amenities discourages land development and pledged to provide basic infrastructure such as roads, water, and electricity to stimulate investment and improve residents’ living conditions.
