Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the FCT Administration’s policy of allocating land to diplomatic personnel and investors, insisting the process follows established government procedures aimed at promoting development and investment.

Wike spoke on Thursday in Abuja while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory.

The minister criticised individuals and organisations questioning the policy, accusing some of hypocrisy and selective criticism despite previously benefiting from similar land allocations.

According to him, land allocation remains a legitimate government tool for encouraging urban development and economic growth within the capital city.

“When you live in a glass house, don’t throw stones. Some of those criticising the policy were also allocated land, and they are not among the poor,” Wike said.

He also took a swipe at media organisations opposing the policy, arguing that media businesses operate commercially and should not pretend otherwise.

The minister noted that media houses generate income through advertisements, sponsored coverage, and commercial news content to sustain their operations.

Wike dismissed claims that the FCT Administration was selling public land, clarifying that allocations are granted under clearly defined investment and development conditions.

“The FCT does not sell land; it allocates land based on specific agreements and development conditions,” he stated.

He explained that all beneficiaries, including diplomats, are required to pay statutory processing fees before obtaining Certificates of Occupancy.

The minister further revealed that many of the disputed land allocations being criticised were originally approved by previous administrations.

According to him, governance is a continuous process and cannot be separated from decisions made by former officials.

“Government is continuous. You cannot pretend that previous allocations did not happen simply because leadership has changed,” he said.

Wike also warned that all allocated lands must be developed according to agreed timelines and conditions or risk revocation by the government.

He cited the case of Jabi Lake, where land allocated decades ago reportedly remained undeveloped before being reclaimed and reassigned to new investors.

The minister rejected arguments that prime lands should be reserved only for low-income residents, stressing that strategic locations require significant investment to transform them into world-class economic and tourism hubs.

“Prime locations require serious investment and proper development. Emotional arguments will not build modern cities,” he added.

Wike maintained that his administration would continue to prioritise practical development policies and infrastructural growth over populist sentiments.

“I will always stand by the truth. What matters is development and results, not public applause,” he said.

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The continued violation of the Abuja Master Plan has been described as a major threat to sustainable urban development, environmental protection, and investment security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to planning experts, the Abuja Master Plan remains a legally binding document established under the provisions of the FCT Act, meaning that all land allocations and developments within the territory must strictly comply with approved land use regulations.

They warned that any land allocation or development carried out outside the approved framework constitutes a direct violation of the law and exposes investors to significant risks.

“The Abuja Master Plan is not a hidden document. It is a public document that has even been commercialised by the authority to create awareness and prevent violations,” the statement noted.

The experts stressed that developers who embark on projects contrary to approved land use plans cannot claim ignorance, especially where there have been public concerns and objections regarding such developments.

“Ignorance of the law is never an excuse,” the statement added.

They explained that Sections 3 and 4 of the FCT Act clearly establish the responsibilities of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), including the preparation and implementation of the Abuja Master Plan, land use coordination, provision of infrastructure, and overall physical planning within the territory.

According to the statement, the Master Plan was developed after extensive consultations involving Nigerian professionals, technical experts, and international planning consultants to ensure compliance with global urban planning standards while reflecting Nigeria’s cultural and developmental realities.

The Urban and Regional Planning Department was specifically assigned the responsibility of safeguarding the Master Plan and ensuring that all allocations align with approved land use requirements.

The statement further noted that any allocation carried out without the input and approval of the Urban and Regional Planning Department violates established procedures and often results in land use infractions.

Experts argued that many of the current planning challenges in Abuja stem from the disregard for these checks and balances.

They warned that several aspects of the original city vision, particularly environmental protection and green infrastructure, are gradually being eroded by unchecked developments.

“The Garden City Concept was to be achieved with 33 per cent of land allocated for greening, but many buffer zones and ecological corridors are now being encroached upon,” the statement said.

The experts expressed concern that waterways and green areas originally designed to absorb runoff and reduce flooding have been drastically reduced due to illegal developments.

They also noted that environmental sustainability formed a major part of the philosophy behind the Abuja Master Plan, with provisions aimed at preserving natural landscapes and ensuring long-term urban resilience for future generations.

According to them, enforcement actions can still be taken against projects found to contravene approved land use regulations, regardless of whether such developments have been completed or are still under construction.

The statement also cautioned public officials against using their positions to facilitate land use violations for personal or political interests.

“The appointment of an FCT Minister is a trust to supervise implementation of the Master Plan, not a licence for indiscriminate land acquisition or violations,” the experts stated.

They dismissed claims that ongoing violations could be justified under the guise of “readjustment” or “review” of the Master Plan, insisting that no review process permits illegal developments that deprive the public of planned infrastructure and environmental benefits.

The experts further warned that future administrations could revisit and reverse many controversial allocations and developments, noting that several investors had previously lost properties due to non-compliance with planning regulations.

“History has shown that unlawful developments eventually face enforcement actions. Developers involved in land use violations should take note,” the statement concluded.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, , has pledged that the will provide critical infrastructure to accelerate development in the newly opened Waru-Pozema District in Abuja.

Wike gave the assurance on Thursday after inspecting several ongoing infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory, noting that the government is committed to making the district attractive for residents and real estate developers.

Infrastructure Planned for New Abuja District

The minister explained that the new district, located in Cadastral Zone D16, would receive essential infrastructure such as road networks and public services to enable rapid development.

According to Wike, consultations will be held with the to determine whether the infrastructure plans have already been captured in the 2026 FCT budget.

“Don’t worry, we will do everything we can to provide the needed infrastructure and open up the district so that people can move in,” he said.

Judicial Projects Near Completion

During the inspection tour, Wike also visited several judicial infrastructure projects and expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction.

He revealed that contractors handling the Court of Appeal complex have assured the administration that the project will be completed by May 2026.

The minister added that judges’ residential quarters have already been furnished ahead of their official commissioning.

The housing project includes:

• 10 duplexes for the Federal High Court
• 20 duplexes for the FCT High Court
• 10 duplexes for the Court of Appeal

The facilities are expected to be commissioned as part of activities marking the third anniversary of President ’s administration.

Road Construction Progress in Katampe

Wike also inspected a major road project in the , describing it as a critical route that functions like a ring road within the district.

He commended the contractor, , for the quality and speed of the construction work.

“It’s one of those companies—when they give you their word, you can go to the bank with it,” Wike said.

Call for Unity in PDP

Speaking on national politics, the former governor urged members of the to prioritise reconciliation ahead of discussions about future elections.

He expressed optimism that the party can remain competitive if members approach internal reconciliation with sincerity.

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has ratified infrastructure projects valued at about ₦11.5 billion and approved fresh enforcement actions against land and property owners violating development regulations across Abuja.

The approvals were reached on Monday when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, presided over the first FCTA Executive Committee (Exco) meeting of 2026, marking the formal start of the administration’s activities for the year.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Chidi Amadi, said the Exco considered and approved five key memoranda aimed at sustaining infrastructure development, improving service delivery and strengthening revenue generation in the nation’s capital.

Amadi described the meeting as strategic, noting that it brought together senior officials of the administration, including the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the Mandate Secretary for Education, the Chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) and the Director of Land Administration.

On education, the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, disclosed that the Exco approved a ₦62 million contract for facility management services at the Korea Model School, Abuja. He explained that the school, established through a partnership between the Korean Government and the Universal Basic Education Commission, was handed over to the FCTA in 2019 to serve as a model for basic education. The approved contract will cover facility and management services for one year.

The Executive Secretary of FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, announced that the council ratified three major infrastructure projects that had earlier been executed on an emergency basis. These include the rehabilitation and resurfacing of internal roads within the Presidential Villa, carried out by Julius Berger Plc after the roads, in use for over three decades, developed severe surface failures.

Dauda also confirmed the ratification of the Kabusa–Ketti Road project, which had become a major security concern due to its deplorable state. The road, awarded in late 2024 and commissioned in June 2025, was completed at a final contract sum of ₦9.8 billion.

In addition, the Exco approved the emergency erosion control works and restoration of critical water pipelines supplying Abuja from the Lower Usuma Dam. The intervention, executed by SCC Nigeria Limited at a cost of about ₦1.7 billion, was undertaken to avert a potential collapse of water supply to the city.

On land administration, the Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, said the Exco reviewed compliance levels on ground rent payments, Certificates of Occupancy and land use conversion fees, and approved strict enforcement measures against defaulters.

He recalled that in 2025, the FCTA identified widespread violations where properties allocated for residential use in areas such as Aminu Kano Crescent, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, and parts of Garki Areas 7 and 8 were illegally converted to commercial purposes. Although some conversions were later approved after planning assessments, Nwankwoeze said many property owners failed to pay the required statutory fees.

“As a result, council has approved enforcement actions to commence from next week. These may include revocation of titles, sealing of properties and other lawful measures. There will be no exemptions,” he said, adding that the exercise would cover Phase One and Phase Two districts and apply to individuals, corporate bodies and government institutions.

The Chairman of FCT-IRS, Michael Ango, emphasized that improved revenue compliance remains critical to funding infrastructure and public services in Abuja. He urged residents and property owners to regularize their payments, warning that enforcement would continue where defaults persist.

The FCTA said the decisions align with the broader vision of President Bola Tinubu and Minister Wike to build a well-planned, financially sustainable and globally competitive federal capital city.

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Town planners across Nigeria have been encouraged to strengthen professional ethics, deepen technical competence, and adopt modern technologies to enhance planning practice and support sustainable national development.

This call was made by former President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Nathaniel Atebije, during the inauguration of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON) in Abuja.

Atebije, delivering a paper titled “Flawless Professionalism: The Soul of Enduring Practice in Urban and Regional Planning,” said ethical discipline, institutional memory, and continuous learning remain the backbone of credible planning practice.

Professionalism as the Anchor of Planning

He described professionalism as the conscience of the urban planning field, noting that planners must combine competence, civic responsibility, and integrity to guide the complex socio-spatial development of cities.

According to him, “Flawless professionalism is not about perfection but about consistently maintaining technical accuracy, ethical conduct, and moral clarity.”

Atebije emphasised that planners serve not only as development technicians but also as moral stewards responsible for shaping cities that balance justice, efficiency, and aesthetic value. He warned that without strong ethical foundations, urban planning risks becoming bureaucratic or profit-driven, with little regard for the public interest.

Ethics, Competence, and Integrity

He identified competence, integrity, and service to society as the three essential pillars of lasting planning practice.
He added that institutional memory— the preservation of professional knowledge— is vital in preventing the erosion of standards and policy inconsistency.

Atebije also stressed that planners must navigate competing interests such as growth versus conservation and private investment versus collective welfare, using sound judgment and ethical imagination.

ATOPCON’s Role as Innovators

Speaking on the mandate of ATOPCON, he described the association as the entrepreneurial engine of the planning profession, urging it to lead new innovations, uphold ethics, train young professionals, and collaborate with regulators like TOPREC and NITP.

He called for:

•  Mentorship structures
•  Continuous professional development (CPD)
•  Strong peer-review mechanisms
•   Documentation of practice experience
• Innovation labs for digital planning and sustainable design

Driving Abuja Toward Smart-City Status

In his welcome remarks, ATOPCON President Hakeem Badejo challenged the Abuja Branch to champion emerging technologies that will position Abuja as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

His targets include:

• Proposals on AI for governance
• Exploring Web3 tools for urban management
• Planning models for automated vehicles and eVTOL mobility
• Regenerative slum redevelopment strategies

‘A Long-Overdue Step for Abuja’

Coordinator of the new ATOPCON branch, Dr. Emmanuel Agbator, described the inauguration as overdue, noting that Abuja—despite its rapid and complex development—had long lacked an ATOPCON structure.

He assured that the branch would work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to improve planning outcomes and strengthen urban governance in the FCT.

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Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has explained why he visited a disputed parcel of land in Gaduwa District, Abuja — a move that triggered a confrontation between him and a naval officer attached to former Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice-Admiral Awwal Gambo.

Speaking before the FCT Executive Council meeting, Wike said he acted because senior officials of the FCT Administration were allegedly assaulted on the site.

“How can I sit as minister when government directors are being attacked?” he asked, insisting his presence was necessary to address the situation.

A video circulating online showed bulldozers believed to have been deployed to stop ongoing construction being moved out of the area.
Wike accused Vice-Admiral Gambo of “impunity,” and condemned comments allegedly made by Navy Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, who reportedly referred to accompanying police officers as “bloody police.”

The minister insisted no security personnel has the right to intimidate government officials or disregard lawful processes.

He clarified that FCTA had always dealt with the military institutionally through the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, or the President when land disputes arise — not through confrontation.

Wike added that some former leaders, including ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and retired General T.Y. Danjuma, had shown humility by contacting him directly whenever land issues surfaced.

According to him, the Gambo land controversy had been exaggerated by those trying to portray him as being at odds with the military. He urged the media to report issues accurately and cautioned Nigerians against violating land-use laws.

The minister warned that individuals who convert agricultural lands into residential or commercial developments without approval would face sanctions.

“As long as I remain FCT Minister, the law will take its course. Abuja must reflect order, discipline and proper planning,” he said, vowing continuous enforcement against illegal developments and land grabbing.

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised what he described as the dominance of transactional and mediocre leadership across Africa, blaming it for the continent’s persistent underdevelopment despite its vast resources.

Speaking at the Innovate Africa Conference 2025 in Abuja, where he delivered a keynote address titled “Reimagining Africa’s Leadership and Investment”, Wike said Africa’s challenges stem from leaders who prioritise personal gain over national progress.

“Africa stands at a crossroads — blessed with wealth and youth yet held back by weak institutions, poverty, and unemployment. How can a continent so richly endowed remain so constrained?” he asked.

The minister, who received the Innovate Africa Leadership Award 2025, said the solution lies in embracing visionary and accountable leadership that transforms challenges into opportunities.

“The time has come to move from transactional leadership to transformational governance — one that empowers, serves, and builds,” he said.

Wike urged leaders to embrace servant-leadership defined by empathy, humility, and shared responsibility, noting that effective leadership can turn vision into tangible results.

Citing ongoing projects in Abuja, he said infrastructural renewal under his watch shows how political will and accountability can drive progress.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu’s reform-driven leadership, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as a courageous step toward economic stability and development.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has assured that by the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term in office, every judge of the FCT High Court will have official accommodation, marking an end to the era of judges living in rented apartments.

Wike gave the assurance on Monday during the flag-off of the design and construction of residences for the Heads of Courts of the FCT. He noted that President Tinubu had directed that the welfare of judicial officers in the capital be treated as a top priority.

“Before the end of Mr President’s first tenure, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in a rented apartment,” Wike declared. “This commitment is specific to judges of the FCT High Court not the Federal High Court or National Industrial Court.”

The initiative, according to the minister, complements ongoing efforts to provide adequate infrastructure for the judiciary. These include the construction of new magistrate courts in Jabi, launched in September 2025, and 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District, whose foundation was laid in November 2024.

Wike clarified that the new housing policy extends beyond tenure, as the heads of courts including the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judges of the Federal and FCT High Courts, and the Judge of the National Industrial Court will retire with the homes built for them.

“What we are doing today is with the full approval of Mr President. When these heads of courts retire, the properties become theirs. This is a deliberate policy to honour their service and uphold the dignity of the judiciary,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), commended the project as a major boost for judicial independence and institutional integrity.

He said, “Providing secure and befitting accommodation for heads of court enhances their personal security, operational independence, and the institutional dignity of the judiciary. It will also help reduce corruption, as basic welfare needs like housing are already guaranteed.”

Fagbemi thanked President Tinubu and Wike for prioritising the welfare of judicial officers and strengthening the independence of the third arm of government through meaningful infrastructural investment.

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Abuja was envisioned as a model Garden City, one where green spaces formed a third of the city’s land use, preserving natural valleys, hills, and stream corridors for aesthetics, recreation, and climate resilience. The Abuja Master Plan earmarked 8,300 hectares, 33 percent of the city’s area, for open spaces and parks, backed by clear policy frameworks including the 2005 Parks Regulations and the 2019 FCT Parks Policy.

Despite this, the ongoing conversion of designated green areas, such as the Zone 6 Neighborhood Park into non-recreational uses directly violates these plans. There has been no public disclosure of the policy or report that justifies this shift, raising concerns over transparency, legality, and disregard for professional planning standards.

This reversal is already showing consequences. In Zone 6, reckless development has led to burst water pipes, blocked drainage, and potential environmental contamination. These outcomes could have been avoided had the FCT Administration respected the city’s layout and the advice of experts.

Urban planning principles promote converting development constraints like floodplains into public assets for recreation and stormwater management. Instead, current actions are undoing the very foundations that made Abuja a modern, livable capital.

Abuja’s green infrastructure is not ornamental; it is essential to public health, environmental sustainability, and the city’s identity. The FCTA must account for its actions and recommit to preserving Abuja’s original vision before more damage is done.

By: Umar Shuaibu
Source: Daily Trust

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on residents and business operators in Abuja to prioritize tax compliance, describing it as the foundation upon which the city’s transformation is being built. According to him, the ongoing improvements in roads, drainages, street lighting, and other public infrastructure are a direct result of tax revenues.

“All these good roads, drainages, and streetlights wouldn’t be possible if you don’t pay your taxes,” Wike said during the flag-off of new infrastructure projects in Asokoro Extension. “As we say, ‘Dis soup sweet, na money kill am.’ If you don’t have money to buy the right ingredients, the soup won’t taste good. In the same way, if we don’t have funds, we can’t deliver the kind of city Abuja deserves.”

Framing taxation as more than a civic obligation, the Minister described it as a form of collective investment in public welfare. “When you pay your taxes, you are buying comfort, safety, and pride for Abuja. So, let’s all do our part to make this city the pride of the nation.”

The infrastructure drive, he noted, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which envisions Abuja as a global city that can compete with the best urban centers in the world. “This government is committed to ensuring that the FCT competes favorably with other cities of the world,” he said. “What you see in the developed world isn’t magic it’s the result of leadership commitment. That is what Mr. President has brought to Abuja.”

Highlighting the Asokoro Extension project as a symbol of that vision, Wike stressed the importance of basic amenities in shaping the quality of life. “Without proper road networks, drainages, and streetlights, life becomes difficult. But by the time these are completed, Asokoro will rank among the most beautiful areas in Abuja.”

Wike also pointed to the employment opportunities being generated by the ongoing construction projects across the capital, linking them to the administration’s wider socioeconomic goals. “Everywhere you go, construction is ongoing and that means jobs for our young people. This is part of the Renewed Hope agenda.”

Beyond roads and physical infrastructure, the Minister revealed that the FCT Administration is set to embark on a new phase of development in education and healthcare. “We’ve touched transport, roads, sports, and education. Now we’re moving to health. No sector will be left untouched.”

He concluded with a call for patience and continued public support, urging citizens to view their tax contributions as essential to Abuja’s long-term progress. “The Abuja of two years ago is not the same today, and by tomorrow, it will be even better.”

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