Wike Accuses UniAbuja of Encroachment, Reallocates Land

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused the University of Abuja of illegally occupying over 11,000 hectares of land in the Giri District without official documentation. As a result, the university’s allocated land has been officially reduced to 4,000 hectares.

Wike made this disclosure during the commissioning of the new access road to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Academy and other adjoining roads in Giri, Abuja. The event, held on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, was led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas.

Once sitting on 11,824 hectares and ranking as Nigeria’s third-largest university by landmass, the University of Abuja now falls to eighth place after the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, which occupies 4,048 hectares.

Wike expressed concerns over what he described as unauthorized land fencing by the university, allegedly done in preparation to sell government land.

“They were grabbing land without documents. I have directed the FCDA and Lands Department to allocate only 4,000 hectares to the university. The rest will be reallocated,” he stated. He emphasized that this new road would prevent further land misuse and encourage proper planning.

He also announced the government’s readiness to provide essential infrastructure across the district, including for institutions like the EFCC Academy and the National Assembly’s Legislative Institute. “Many people don’t develop land because there are no roads or facilities. We are committed to changing that,” Wike added.

EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede, represented by the Commission’s Secretary, Muhammad Hammajoda, praised Wike’s intervention, noting that lack of access had delayed development at the EFCC Academy site.

“The Minister promised to deliver a road and he did. Now, development of the Academy can begin,” he said. The academy is expected to become a center for training in anti-corruption, financial crimes, and cybercrime enforcement.

Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, also highlighted the road project as part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She described it as a symbol of inclusive growth and regional development, aimed at unlocking the economic potential of underdeveloped areas within the FCT.