The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that his administration has recovered 7,000 hectares of land from the University of Abuja, accusing the institution of encroaching on 11,000 hectares without proper documentation.
Wike made this disclosure during the official commissioning of the Access Road to Giri District, constructed by Levant Construction Company. The event was attended by key stakeholders and dignitaries, with President Bola Tinubu commending the minister’s transformative efforts in the FCT.
President Tinubu, represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the project as more than just a road, calling it a “bridge of inclusion” and a symbol of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He praised Wike for localising the national vision and delivering tangible benefits to underserved communities.
“These newly constructed access roads are not just infrastructural achievements; they are statements of intent to open up Giri District and the FCT,” Tinubu said. “No community is too small or too distant to feel the impact of democratic dividends.”
Wike explained that the new road not only improved connectivity to the Giri District but also halted further unauthorized land expansion by the University of Abuja. He alleged that the institution had begun fencing and claiming vast areas of land without legal approval.
“They grabbed 11,000 hectares with no documents. We’ve recovered 7,000 hectares,” Wike said. “I’ve directed that 4,000 hectares be allocated officially to the university to protect. We cannot allow unchecked land grabbing.”
The FCT Minister also disclosed that the road would open up the area for broader development, instructing the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and other agencies to begin internal district planning.
At the event, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede—represented by Secretary Mohammed Hammajoda—highlighted the road’s importance in enabling the continued development of the EFCC Academy, located in Giri.
“With this infrastructure, the EFCC Academy, which will house a cybercrime research center, can now proceed,” he said. “This road will support the training of officers who will help sustain the anti-corruption drive.”
The road project is part of the broader infrastructure push under the Renewed Hope Agenda to decentralise development across the FCT and improve access, security, and economic activity in outlying districts.
