The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has stated that the Abuja Technology Village land was revoked because the supposed investors failed to develop the site under the agreement with the government over the past two decades.
Wike, who stated they were engaged in land-grabbing activities, revealed that the FCT Administration provided necessary infrastructure for over two decades, but the developers had not laid a single foundation stone and were instead leasing out the land for financial gain.
“The FCTA provided the infrastructure for more than 20 years, and nothing has been done. You go there, they have rented out the place to NNPC tankers, and they collect money. So many people are now claiming to have C of Os. There is no thing called Abuja Technology Village”, Barr. Wike asserted.
Wike, speaking during the monthly media chat, said the revocation was essential to pave the way for the ambitious Abuja City Walk project, modelled after the renowned Dubai City Walk, and for which an MOU was recently signed with a private investor. He explained that he was inspired by the development at the Dubai City Walk during his visit to the Gulf city, reaffirming the government’s desire to provide world-class infrastructure of international standard.
“We are privileged to have travelled. Then when you go to some of these cities, you say, wow! What is difficult that we cannot replicate these in our cities too? These are cities that you can find everything that improves the lives of the people and then will improve the economy and create jobs”, Barr. Wike stated, emphasizing that the Abuja City Walk will improve the lives of residents, create jobs, and bring overall development to the FCT.
Barrister Wike expressed confidence in the investors involved in the Abuja City Walk, noting their commitment to providing drawings and making the payment for necessary fees. He further disclosed that performance clauses have been introduced into the agreement, with the first phase of the project slated for commissioning next year. This multi-billion-dollar investment, he believes, will significantly transform the city’s landscape and boost employment.
Addressing efforts to mitigate land grabbing by unscrupulous investors, the Minister announced a policy shift introducing clear timelines for development. Land not developed within the stipulated period will revert to the FCTA, he said.
The Minister also addressed the controversy surrounding the revoked land of the University of Abuja, asserting that the institution had occupied the land for many years without development. He maintained that the 4,000 hectares remaining for the university was more than adequate, dismissing claims that a significant portion was comprised of rocks. He highlighted that development activities, including the EFCC academy, are now springing up on the reallocated land.
On the newly renovated conference centre, Wike revealed that barely a month after its reopening, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, has already generated over N1.2 billion in revenue for the government, a significant increase in revenue compared to the N50 million annually remitted by the center’s previous managers. It will be recalled that the conference center was officially reopened by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2025, following a period of closure for renovations.
Looking ahead, the Minister assured residents of more impactful projects beyond recent commissioning exercises and listed ongoing road projects in various Area Councils, rural water projects, and the extensive rehabilitation of schools. He countered assertions that the FCTA was solely focused on “brick and mortar” projects, explaining that road projects, especially in the Area Councils, were prioritized based on consultations with stakeholders, including traditional rulers and the youth.
On the education sector, Barr. Wike challenged critics to visit rehabilitated and furnished schools in rural areas, offering logistical support for press tours to witness the administration’s achievements. He promised to commission ten school projects, particularly in rural areas, to demonstrate government’s commitment to educational development in the FCT. While acknowledging the funding challenges faced by the Area Councils, he stressed that the FCT Administration has been providing vital interventions in school rehabilitation and teacher remuneration.
The Minister also highlighted the FCT’s substantial workforce, and the increased financial outlay required for maintenance, particularly with the recent minimum wage increment. He called on FCT representatives in the National Assembly to advocate for a special intervention fund, citing the inadequacy of the one percent allocation from the Federal Government’s share of the federation account.
While acknowledging that not all problems can be solved in a short time, the FCT Minister, however, reaffirmed the current government’s commitment to good governance and the positive impact on residents’ lives.
On the issue of unpaid ground rent, the Minister issued a stern warning that the FCT Administration would soon resume the seal-off of defaulting properties following the expiration of the two-week grace period, undeterred by sentiment. He questioned why affluent individuals were unwilling to pay ground rent while demanding infrastructure provision.
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