Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports suggesting that Channels Television purchased land in Abuja, insisting that the FCT Administration does not sell land but only allocates it under established procedures.

Wike made the clarification while reacting to claims that the media organisation had paid for land in the capital territory, an allegation that has sparked public debate over land administration practices in Abuja.

According to the minister, what Channels Television paid for was not the cost of land, but administrative charges linked to the processing of its Certificate of Occupancy (CofO).

“The money paid was to process their CofO, which is done regularly. Therefore, the land was allocated, not bought,” Wike said.

He explained that land allocation in the FCT follows standard government procedures and should not be misrepresented as commercial sales.

Wike further stressed that media organisations, like other corporate entities, operate as businesses and are expected to generate revenue to sustain their operations.

“Media organisations are not set up for charity; they are for business. That is why they do adverts and collect money,” he said.

He added that media houses earn income through advertising, sponsored content, live coverage, and commercial news services, all of which support their staffing and operational costs.

The minister questioned why land allocation to media organisations should be controversial, arguing that similar allocations are made to other private and institutional entities.SEO Elements

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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 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the allocation of land in Abuja to ambassadors and high commissioners-designate, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic infrastructure and attracting foreign investment.

Wike disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the envoys led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Ahmed, in Abuja. He said the initiative aligns with the administration’s broader economic diplomacy strategy designed to reposition Nigeria as a more attractive destination for global capital.

According to the minister, the land allocation is intended to enhance the operational presence of foreign missions while deepening bilateral relations between Nigeria and their respective countries.

He stressed that diplomats play a central role in shaping Nigeria’s global perception and must actively support efforts to attract investment.

“You are the mirror of this country. The way the world sees you is the way it will see Nigeria,” Wike said.

He added that President Tinubu’s international engagements are focused on securing investment inflows, but embassies and high commissions must reinforce those efforts through consistent engagement with investors and policymakers abroad.

Wike also dismissed concerns about Nigeria’s democratic structure, insisting that the country remains firmly a multi-party democracy.

“There is no plan to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. You must communicate this clearly wherever you serve,” he added.

FCT Targets Investment Expansion Through Infrastructure and Diplomacy

The minister highlighted ongoing infrastructure development across Abuja’s area councils, noting that the administration is working to position the capital as a globally competitive city.

He urged foreign envoys to support investment drives in sectors such as agriculture, waste management, and urban development, pointing to underutilised land in areas like Gwagwalada and Kwali.

According to him, these areas present significant opportunities for large-scale agricultural investment and sustainable development projects.

“There is enormous agricultural potential in areas like Gwagwalada and Kwali, but investment is still limited. We need your support to attract investors and unlock these opportunities,” he said.

Wike further revealed that the FCT Administration is pursuing strategic partnerships with countries including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, as well as the European Commission, to strengthen infrastructure development and international cooperation.

Foreign Affairs Ministry Emphasises Diplomatic Role in National Development

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Ahmed, described the visit as part of an induction programme for ambassadors and high commissioners-designate.

He said the programme was designed to familiarise envoys with Abuja’s strategic importance as Nigeria’s administrative and diplomatic hub.

Ahmed noted that Abuja plays a critical role in shaping international perceptions of Nigeria and commended ongoing infrastructure upgrades within the FCT.

He also called for stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the FCT Administration to promote Abuja as a hub for investment, tourism, and international partnerships.

Policy Direction and Economic Outlook

The engagement reflects the federal government’s ongoing push to integrate diplomacy with economic development goals. By linking foreign missions more directly with investment promotion, the administration aims to strengthen capital inflows and improve Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

Officials believe that improved diplomatic infrastructure, combined with targeted urban development, will enhance investor confidence and support long-term economic growth.

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