The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday strongly dismissed claims that his administration has engaged in land grabbing, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja, Wike insisted that no land has been illegally appropriated under his leadership and vowed to resign if any evidence proves otherwise.
“If you find that I grabbed land illegally, I will resign as Minister,” Wike declared.
“Everything people come out to claim, they cannot substantiate. What is all this issue of land grabbing? Do you grab what you control?” he asked rhetorically.
The minister emphasized that much of the criticism stems from misunderstandings regarding the enforcement of rules tied to land allocation in the capital city.
According to Wike, several allottees had held on to parcels of land for as long as 15 to 20 years without initiating any development, which violates the terms of their allocation.
“Some people held land for 15 to 20 years and did nothing. We said, develop it within six months or we take it back,” he said, clarifying that these actions are necessary to ensure proper urban growth and prevent land speculation.
The minister highlighted that land reclaims have occurred in high-value districts, including plots surrounding Jabi Lake, where new projects are in progress.
While he refrained from giving full project details, Wike assured that the initiatives are designed to benefit residents and are aligned with the broader goal of urban renewal in Abuja.
“People took that land around Jabi for years and nothing happened. Now they say we are grabbing land. Why don’t you like to be surprised? It will be something you will be very happy about when it is done,” he explained.
Wike also made it clear that leadership requires difficult decisions that may not always be popular.
“Leadership is not about pleasing everybody. I take decisions, and I don’t go back. It may hurt you, but it’s for the growth of the FCT,” he said, stressing that enforcing development rules and reclaiming idle land is in the public interest.
The minister’s approach demonstrates a focus on accountability and long-term planning rather than personal popularity.
On criticism over his governance style, Wike stressed that he is not seeking friendship or political validation.
“I’m not looking for friendship. I don’t do that. I do my job. Whether you like me or hate me, you cannot be blind to what is going on in Abuja.
“No matter how you abuse me, you cannot take away what is visible,” he said, pointing to ongoing development and urban renewal projects as evidence of his administration’s efforts.
To illustrate his confidence in decision-making, Wike likened himself to a lizard that nods after falling from a tree, saying, “When a lizard falls from a tree, it looks around and nods to itself.
“I know what I’m doing.” This metaphor underscores his belief that enforcing land-use regulations and advancing development initiatives are necessary steps for the territory’s progress.
Beyond land allocation and urban renewal, Wike addressed waste management concerns in Abuja. He acknowledged progress while admitting that challenges remain.
“Have we improved? Yes or no? We cannot say we have done 100 per cent, but we are doing our best,” he said, emphasizing that officials responsible for lapses in refuse evacuation risk losing their jobs.
This signals the administration’s commitment to improving sanitation standards while holding public officers accountable.
Wike reiterated that his policies are guided by the broader public interest rather than short-term political gains.
By reclaiming underdeveloped land and implementing strict development timelines, the FCT administration aims to reduce idle land speculation, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for residents.
His approach underscores the interconnectedness of land allocation, urban renewal, and sustainable development in the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister’s stance has drawn attention from both supporters and critics, with many praising the focus on efficiency and accountability while others continue to frame it as heavy-handed.
Nevertheless, Wike maintains that reclaiming idle land and enforcing development conditions are essential for orderly urban expansion.
His policies aim to ensure that Abuja develops in a structured, sustainable manner rather than allowing parcels to remain dormant indefinitely.
Ireport247news
About The Author
