Wike Recovers 7,000 Hectares from UNIABUJA, Says Land Was Illegally Acquired

By Iyojo Ameh

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reclaimed 7,000 hectares of land from the University of Abuja, reducing the institution’s holdings from 11,000 to 4,000 hectares.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, disclosed this on Sunday during the commissioning of newly constructed access roads in the Giri District of Abuja.

Wike accused the university of illegally fencing off vast stretches of land without documentation or approval.

“The university on their own grabbed 11,000 hectares. I said that will not happen. No document, nothing. You see them fencing everywhere, and before you know it, they would have gone to sell our land,” the minister said.

He directed the FCT Director of Lands and other relevant agencies to formalize only 4,000 hectares for the university, stating that the reclaimed land will be reallocated for planned development in the area.

Wike emphasized the FCTA’s commitment to infrastructure development in Giri and surrounding districts, adding that internal road construction would soon commence.

“Having created this access road, we have told the Executive Secretary of FCDA and other relevant agencies to start working on details of how we are going to do the roads within the district. So, be assured that maybe next one year, it will be a different thing,” he assured residents.

The minister also revealed plans to collaborate with the National Assembly to establish educational and institutional projects in the district. He said the FCTA would provide land to fast-track such developments.

Wike further noted that with the completion of the access road, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Academy, located in Giri, is now set to begin operations.

“They will start the academy immediately because now they have access roads that they can move in their equipment and develop this. And when this comes, you see that other people will also move in and develop their own area,” he explained.

Addressing concerns about infrastructure gaps, Wike said the administration would prioritize the provision of basic amenities, including roads, water, and electricity, to attract investment and improve living conditions.

“Most of the problems we’re having here is that sometimes when you allocate land, there are no facilities, no infrastructure, and people are not encouraged. So, we will do everything we can to see that basic infrastructure is being provided,” the minister said.

The newly commissioned road project in Giri is part of broader efforts by the FCTA to enhance connectivity and promote development across satellite towns in the capital territory.