The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has stepped in to mediate the dispute between the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Abuja Technology Village (ATV) Free Zone over the planned revocation of land allocated to the hub.
The intervention follows a legal battle sparked by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s recent announcement that the government intends to repossess the land to make way for the Abuja City Walk project — a mixed-use urban development covering over 200 hectares along the Airport Road corridor.
During a visit to the FCTA, NEPZA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olufemi Ogunyemi, urged ATV operators and investors to withdraw their court case to allow for dialogue.
“I have come to discuss with the minister on the importance of supporting Abuja Technology Village to succeed, while also promoting the development of Abuja City Walk. We must work together to achieve this for the good of our nation,” Ogunyemi said.
The proposed Abuja City Walk, part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is expected to feature residential, commercial, medical, and institutional spaces, with the aim of repositioning Abuja as a global investment hub.
However, following Wike’s Monday announcement on the land revocation, ATV stakeholders took legal action to halt the move, citing the zone’s potential as a driver of economic growth.
Appealing for a peaceful settlement, Ogunyemi said the Free Trade Zones Scheme remains critical to industrialisation and the expansion of Abuja’s economy. He also revealed plans for NEPZA to assess all 63 licensed Free Trade Zones across the country to evaluate their contributions to foreign direct investment and exports.
Responding, Wike expressed his willingness to work with NEPZA in resolving the dispute, noting that Abuja’s future economic landscape depends on harmonising trade and infrastructure priorities.
“We must fulfil Mr President’s promises regarding industrialisation, trade and investment. In this context, the FCT will collaborate with NEPZA to review the future of ATV, a zone that was sponsored and supported by the FCT administration,” the minister said.
He stressed that while government welcomes investments, beneficiaries of land allocations must meet their obligations. “We are determined to enforce compliance and ensure that land allocated for developmental purposes is not left idle or misused,” Wike added.
