The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has clarified the rationale behind the FCT Administration’s recent land revocations, particularly at the Abuja Technology Village, and addressed a range of other development and political issues.
Speaking at his monthly media briefing on Monday, August 4, 2025, Wike stated that the revocation of the Abuja Technology Village land was necessary to clear the way for the ambitious “Abuja City Walk” project, which he said is modeled on Dubai’s City Walk.
The Minister accused the previous allottees of failing to develop the site for over 20 years, instead using it for “land-grabbing activities.” He lamented that despite the FCTA providing infrastructure, the land was being rented out for commercial purposes, such as a parking lot for NNPC tankers.
“The FCTA provided the infrastructure for more than 20 years, and nothing has been done,” Wike said. “You go there, they have rented out the place… and they collect money. There is nothing called Abuja Technology Village.”
Wike, who was inspired by his visit to Dubai, expressed confidence in the investors for the new project. He disclosed that the first phase of the multi-billion-dollar investment is scheduled to be commissioned next year, with the aim of creating jobs and boosting the FCT’s economy.
The Minister also defended the revocation of land from the University of Abuja, asserting that the university had failed to develop the site for years. He maintained that the remaining 4,000 hectares were sufficient and noted that development, including the EFCC academy, is now underway on the reallocated land.
In a move to curb future land grabbing, Wike announced a new policy with clear timelines for development. Land not developed within the stipulated period will now revert to the FCTA.
On revenue generation, Wike revealed that the newly renovated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre has generated over ₦1.2 billion in revenue within a month of its reopening. This marks a significant increase from the ₦50 million annually remitted by its previous managers. The Minister also issued a warning to ground rent defaulters, stating that property seal-offs would resume following the expiration of the grace period.
Politically, Wike reaffirmed his status as a PDP member while reiterating his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last presidential election. He acknowledged the PDP’s failure to get its house in order but vowed to remain in the party to “insist on doing the right thing.”
