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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Pressure is mounting within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as party groups intensify calls for the removal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, citing alleged anti-party conduct and actions they say undermine party cohesion and national unity.

The latest demand came from a coalition operating under the APC Leaders Forum (ALF) and the Tinubu/Shettima Solidarity Movement (TSSM), which accused the former Rivers State governor of conduct inconsistent with the expectations of a serving minister in an APC-led administration.

In an open letter dated January 7, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu through the party’s national leadership, the groups argued that Wike’s continued stay in the Federal Executive Council poses political and institutional risks for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The letter, jointly signed by leaders of the coalition, was unveiled during a peaceful rally at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. The groups described the protest as part of a broader mobilisation to protect party discipline and defend the principles of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the coalition, Wike has repeatedly made public statements that openly challenge the authority of the APC’s national leadership, despite not being formally registered as a member of the party. They cited remarks allegedly made by the minister during a recent visit to Rivers State, where he was accused of verbally attacking senior APC officials and issuing statements perceived as intimidating.

The groups also accused Wike of persistently working against Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, whom they described as the APC’s duly elected governor. They alleged that the minister has openly questioned the legitimacy of the governor’s emergence, publicly criticised his leadership, and suggested that his administration should be politically corrected in 2027.

According to the petitioners, such actions amount to political sabotage and weaken the APC’s strategic position in Rivers State, a key battleground in the Niger Delta region.

Beyond party politics, the coalition raised concerns over comments attributed to Wike suggesting that certain political actors would be barred from entering Rivers State. They warned that such statements could inflame political tensions and were incompatible with the authority of the federal government.

The groups further criticised what they described as a conflict of interest, alleging that the minister had publicly acknowledged influence across multiple political platforms while serving in an APC government.

They warned that failure to address the situation could deepen internal divisions within the party and create avoidable distractions for the administration at a time of economic and security challenges.

While calling for decisive action, the coalition reaffirmed its loyalty to President Tinubu, urging him to demonstrate that party discipline applies to all political appointees regardless of influence or past alliances. They also announced plans to extend their protests nationwide if their concerns are not addressed.

As of press time, neither the FCT Minister nor the Presidency had issued an official response to the allegations.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the long-delayed Apo–Karshi road contract and reassigned it to SCC after years of stalled work by the previous contractor, Kakatar Construction Company.

Wike announced the development on Thursday while inspecting key infrastructure projects across Abuja. He said the decision was necessary to break the cycle of delays and deliver the strategic road, which residents have relied on for years as a potential decongestion route.

According to him, “We have terminated that contract; it has been re-awarded to SCC. If you go there now, you’ll see they’ve started work. It’s a road so many people are interested in because it will decongest these areas. We cannot continue to play politics when it comes to the welfare of the people.”

Emergency Re-award to Speed Up Delivery

The new contract was issued under emergency procurement to ensure accelerated work. Wike described SCC as a capable and proven contractor with the resources to deliver within timelines.

He also revealed that the Kubwa–Bwari road had been awarded and construction had commenced, creating an alternative corridor expected to ease traffic pressure in surrounding communities.

Residents Welcome Progress Amid Inspections

During the inspection of the Karu–Custom–CBN Road, Gishiri–Katampe Road, and the Apo–Wasa carriageway, Wike said residents’ positive reactions reflected their confidence in the administration’s infrastructure focus.

“What makes the government relaxed is when the people are happy. People appreciate development. They appreciate that the government thinks about their welfare,” he said.

Major Roads Targeted for 2026 Completion

Wike confirmed that the Karu road project, originally planned as a single intervention, had been expanded to include adjoining routes. He said the road is now slated for commissioning during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

He also inspected the OSEX road linking Apo to Wassa and confirmed that it would be among the projects for the next round of presidential commissioning.

Illegal Structures to Go

The minister ordered the removal of buildings obstructing water channels, insisting that public safety overrides sentiment.

“We cannot allow flooding because someone has blocked a waterway. She violated building regulations, and we must act in the public’s interest,” he said.

FCT Shifts Focus to Completing Existing Projects

Looking ahead, Wike said 2026 would focus on consolidating ongoing projects rather than initiating new ones due to the approaching political season.

“What you saw in 2025 will be nothing compared to what you’ll see in 2026. But in 2026, we are not likely to start new projects. We want to make sure that the ones we started this year are completed,” he stated.

He added that procurement processes are ongoing for upgrades across FCT health centres and major investments in education infrastructure.

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Tension escalated on Friday after a coalition of retired military officers demanded the removal of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, over his confrontation with a naval officer in Abuja.

The Coalition of Concerned Military Veterans — made up of retired generals and senior officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force — called on President Bola Tinubu to sack or redeploy the minister, warning that failure to act would force them to “mobilise and occupy” the FCT ministry.

The row stemmed from a dispute over the ownership of a plot of land reportedly being secured by armed personnel acting on the instructions of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).

Wike had accused the ex-CNS of taking over the land illegally, while a viral video showed the minister confronting a naval officer identified as Lieutenant Yerima.

At a press briefing in Kaduna, the veterans described Wike’s conduct as demeaning to the Armed Forces and disrespectful to the Commander-in-Chief.

A trustee of the coalition, Col. Yusuf Ibrahim (retd.), said the minister’s comments in the widely circulated video were “embarrassing” and “beneath the office he occupies.”

Ibrahim argued that the naval officer acted on lawful instructions and that publicly insulting him amounted to ridiculing state authority. He insisted that Wike must apologise to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the officer involved, and President Tinubu.

The veterans, however, praised the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs for what they described as a professional handling of the dispute.

Another speaker, Dr. Awwal Abdullahi, who introduced himself as a Deputy Veteran Commander, accused Wike of a pattern of hostility toward military personnel.

He warned that the coalition was ready to take to the streets if Tinubu does not act.

According to Abdullahi, removing Wike would not negatively affect the administration, insisting that “more capable hands” could serve as FCT minister.

He said the minister’s attitude risks undermining the President’s political goodwill and the military’s loyalty.

He stressed that whoever occupies the FCT portfolio must demonstrate maturity, discipline, and respect for national institutions.

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A coalition of Nigerian military veterans has faulted the conduct of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a recent confrontation with a naval officer in Abuja, demanding an unreserved public apology from him.

The call followed a viral video showing Wike engaging in a heated exchange with naval personnel during an enforcement visit to a disputed plot of land in Gaduwa District of the FCT.

In the footage, the minister was seen berating the officer and allegedly calling him a “fool” after the officer insisted he was acting on superior orders.

Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson of the Coalition of Military Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, condemned Wike’s outburst, describing it as “disrespectful to the Nigerian military and an affront to the dignity of public office.”

“How can a serving minister insult a uniformed officer on camera? Such behaviour is unbecoming of a public officeholder and diminishes the respect attached to his position,” Durowaiye-Herberts said.

The group warned that any attempt to sanction the naval officer involved would be strongly resisted, adding that uniformed personnel represent the authority of the Nigerian state and not the personal interests of individuals.

“Wike should apologise publicly. His action undermines civil-military relations and demeans the office he occupies,” the veterans added.

The incident, which has continued to generate heated debate across social media, has drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians, with many calling for restraint and mutual respect between government officials and security operatives.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday visited Apo-Dutse District, where 11 duplexes built by the Nigeria Police Force were demolished for violating planning laws.

Visibly angered, Wike condemned what he called a “brazen abuse of power” after Police officers allegedly arrested Development Control officials who carried out the demolition.

“Government enforces laws, not breaks them. How can anyone build under high-tension lines? Once approval is denied, no one has the right to take the law into their hands,” he said.

Wike revealed that the Police had earlier been denied building approval on safety grounds but went ahead regardless. He vowed to take the matter up with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stressing that Abuja’s master plan would not be compromised.

Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, said the disputed plot allocated to the Police in 2018 sits directly beneath high-tension lines and within a proposed flood-control corridor.

Despite repeated warnings, he said, construction continued until officials moved in to enforce compliance, leading to their brief detention by the Police.

The FCT Administration has warned that any developer who violates planning regulations risks losing investments and facing sanctions. The demolished duplexes, located along Garba Duba Street, were found to pose serious safety and environmental hazards.

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Aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lere Olayinka, has strongly criticised comments made by former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, following his recent visit to a public primary school in the nation’s capital.

Obi, who toured LEA Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja on Wednesday alongside African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council, Dr. Moses Paul, described the school’s condition as “a national disgrace” that “exposes Nigeria’s hollow commitment to education.” According to him, the school lacked basic amenities such as chairs and toilets, highlighting what he termed a systemic neglect of public education.

“I am shocked by what I saw,” Obi told journalists. “As governor of Anambra State, I made it a point to visit every primary and secondary school. We invested in education, and I left public funds for the state when I left office something uncommon in our political culture.”

However, in a swift response on Thursday, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, accused Obi of engaging in “baseless criticism” aimed at garnering media attention. He dismissed the former governor’s remarks as politically motivated and lacking in substance.

“Mr. Obi has turned himself into a critic of everything including the most ridiculous matters just to stay in the headlines,” Olayinka said in a statement. “The FCT Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike has awarded 102 contracts for school renovations. Of these, 21 schools have been fully renovated, and work is ongoing in 73 others across the six Area Councils.”

Olayinka went further, alleging that Obi failed to address similar infrastructure challenges during his own tenure as governor. He questioned Obi’s track record in Anambra, accusing him of financial mismanagement and prioritising savings over investment in education and infrastructure.

“If he had indeed performed the same ‘magic’ in Anambra that he claims he can perform nationwide, the state would today be a reference point for development,” Olayinka asserted. “Instead, Anambra is still dealing with the aftermath of eight years of misgovernance.”

In a sharply worded critique, the minister’s aide also questioned Obi’s political future, referring to him as an “internally displaced politician seeking a permanent abode in the media space.” He mocked the former presidential candidate’s campaign messaging and challenged him to demonstrate tangible development results from his time in office.

“It is amusing that someone who lacks a clear political platform heading into 2027 continues to sell the idea of national transformation within four years,” Olayinka added. “What did he transform in Anambra in eight?”

As the exchange highlights growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, it also reflects broader national conversations about governance, infrastructure, and the role of opposition figures in holding administrations accountable.

Both Obi and the FCT Administration have yet to announce further steps regarding the condition of the Kapwa school, but the incident underscores the contentious and highly scrutinized landscape of public education reform in Nigeria.

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FCT Minister Nyesom Wike will on Thursday, September 18, 2025, flag off the construction of 12 new roads and install solar-powered streetlights across major parts of Abuja under the Light Up Abuja programme.

Announcing the development, his media aide, Lere Olayinka, said:

“The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, will this week, Thursday, commence the flagging-off of construction of 12 new roads and provision of solar lights in some major areas in the Federal Capital City (FCC) and Expressways under the Light Up Abuja Programme. The Minister will also commission the access roads in Sector Centre B, by Dakibiyu District, and the newly constructed Roads ILS 11 (Esther Bali Street) and MAR 24 (Kez Udezue Street) in Mabushi District.”

Olayinka added that the flag-offs will run until October 16 and will deliver hybrid solar lighting to Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, Garki, Katampe, Jabi, Gudu, the Central Business District, and the Airport Expressway.

“The projects also include the construction of access roads to the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates project site in Karsana West, provision of access road bypassing Airport Second Runway from Bill Clinton Drive to Tunga Madaki Settlement with a four-span bridge, rehabilitation of the 15km Old Keffi Road from Kado Village to Dei-Dei Junction, and provision of engineering infrastructure to outstanding layouts within Guzape,” he said.

Residences for the heads of key courts will also be constructed. Wike has recently launched water expansion projects in Bwari and Karu, a sports centre in Kafe District, a Magistrate Court in Jabi, and the reconstruction of Karu Road.

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FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has defended the revocation of land allocations at the Abuja Technology Village and the University of Abuja, saying the decision was necessary to stop misuse and drive proper development.

He said the Abuja Technology Village remained untouched for over 20 years despite FCTA providing infrastructure. Instead of development, he alleged the land was being rented out and used for parking tankers.

“There’s nothing like Abuja Technology Village,” Wike stated. “It’s just land grabbing. People now claim ownership with questionable C of Os.”

The minister said the land will now be used for the Abuja City Walk, a new urban project inspired by Dubai’s City Walk. A private investor has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the FCTA.

Wike also announced a new land policy: undeveloped land within a set time will automatically revert to the government. This, he said, will prevent future hoarding by speculators.

On the University of Abuja, Wike said the school still retains 4,000 hectares enough for future expansion. He dismissed claims that most of the land is rocky, noting that projects like the EFCC Academy are already underway there.

He also highlighted recent revenue gains, revealing that the newly reopened Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre has generated over ₦1.2 billion in just one month compared to only ₦50 million annually under previous management.

Wike said these efforts are part of a broader push to modernize Abuja with world-class infrastructure and enforce accountability in land administration.

The post Wike Breaks Silence on Abuja Land Revocations appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

During a peaceful protest on Monday, the traders expressed their anger over the ongoing development. Many believe the new shops violate the original design of the market.

Mr. Prosper Chinedu, one of the traders, said the new buildings are blocking key access points. According to him, this poses a serious risk in case of an emergency.

“If a fire breaks out, fire trucks will not be able to enter the market,” he warned. “We cannot allow this to continue. The current market leaders are not protecting our interests. They should step down, and a new election must be held.”

Another trader, Chief Samson Eze, voiced similar concerns. He said traders are rarely consulted before major decisions are made. This includes decisions on increased service charges and the construction of new stalls.

“We have been enduring poor representation for too long,” Eze said. “Now, with the new buildings taking up parking space, customers will have nowhere to park. That means fewer people will come to shop.”

The traders are urging the FCT administration to investigate the matter. They want the construction halted and a fresh leadership election conducted. They also want to be included in future planning decisions that affect their businesses.

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