The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the allocation of land to diplomats and investors in Abuja, accusing critics of hypocrisy and misunderstanding government policy on land administration.
Wike said many of those condemning the allocation of land to foreign missions and private organisations were themselves beneficiaries of government land allocations in the past.
The minister spoke on Thursday while inspecting ongoing projects in Abuja, where he reacted to growing criticism from some Nigerians who accused the FCT Administration of favouring wealthy individuals and foreign diplomats over ordinary residents.
In recent weeks, there have been public concerns over the allocation of prime plots of land in Abuja, especially to diplomatic missions and large organisations, at a time many residents complain about rising housing costs and lack of access to affordable land.
Responding to the criticism, Wike said land allocation by government is a normal administrative process aimed at encouraging investment, urban growth and development of the capital city.
According to him, the policy is not new and has been practised by previous administrations.
“When you are living in a glass house, don’t throw stones,” the minister said.
“You were given land, and you are not among the poor, so why are you complaining now?”
Wike specifically mentioned major media organisations such as Channels Television and African Independent Television (AIT), saying their headquarters in Abuja were built on plots allocated by the FCT Administration rather than land bought directly from private owners.
He argued that it was unfair for organisations that had benefited from government land allocations to now criticise the same process when applied to diplomats and investors.
The minister also rejected claims that the government was “selling” land to privileged individuals or foreign interests.
According to him, the FCT Administration does not sell land in the way many people assume.
“The FCT does not sell land; it allocates it based on specific conditions and investment proposals,” Wike explained.
He said all beneficiaries of land allocations, including diplomats and organisations, are expected to pay official charges connected to documentation and issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O).
“All allottees, including diplomats, are required to pay procedural fees for the processing of their Certificate of Occupancy,” he said.
Wike stressed that land allocations are tied to development agreements, adding that beneficiaries are expected to use the land for the purpose approved by the government.
He warned that any individual or organisation that fails to develop allocated land within the agreed period risks losing it.
The minister cited the example of land around Jabi Lake, which he said had been allocated many years ago for tourism and entertainment purposes but remained undeveloped for nearly two decades.
According to him, the government had no choice but to revoke the allocations and hand the land to investors ready to develop the area.
“There are lands allocated over 20 years ago for tourism and recreation that were never developed. Government cannot allow prime areas to remain abandoned forever,” he said.
Wike said the decision to recover such plots was part of efforts by his administration to improve infrastructure, attract investors and transform Abuja into a modern capital city that can compete with other international cities.
The former Rivers State governor also criticised what he described as “emotional arguments” suggesting that government should allocate prime land only to poor residents.
According to him, some locations in Abuja require huge investments that ordinary individuals may not be able to undertake.
He argued that world-class hotels, tourism centres, business districts and recreational facilities could only be developed through partnerships with investors who have the financial capacity.
“You cannot say because somebody is poor, then all prime land should be left undeveloped. Development requires investment,” he said.
Wike maintained that his administration would continue to focus on practical development policies rather than trying to please critics.
“I will always stand by the truth,” the minister stated.
Since assuming office as FCT minister in August 2023, Wike has taken several steps aimed at reforming land administration and accelerating infrastructure development in Abuja.
His administration has revoked plots over unpaid ground rents, demolished structures considered illegal and intensified road and transport projects across the city.
These actions have attracted both praise and criticism from residents and political observers.
Supporters say the minister has brought speed and urgency to the development of the capital city, while critics accuse him of being too aggressive in enforcing government policies.
Land ownership and allocation have remained sensitive issues in Abuja since the city became Nigeria’s capital in 1991.
The Federal Capital Territory is controlled directly by the federal government, which manages land allocation through the FCT Administration.
Over the years, disputes over land ownership, revocation of plots and demolition of structures have frequently generated controversy in the city.
The rapid growth of Abuja has also increased pressure on housing and land, leading to rising property prices and complaints from low-income residents who struggle to afford accommodation.
Some residents believe government should focus more on affordable housing and social infrastructure instead of allocating prime land to wealthy investors and diplomatic missions.
Others, however, argue that attracting investment is necessary for the city’s economic growth and international image.
Urban development experts say Abuja faces the challenge of balancing commercial growth with social needs.
The issue of undeveloped plots has also remained a major concern in the FCT.
Successive administrations have repeatedly threatened to revoke allocations from owners who fail to develop their land within approved timelines.
Government officials say abandoned plots affect city planning and slow down development.
Under Nigerian land laws, particularly the Land Use Act, governors and the FCT Administration have powers to allocate and revoke land for overriding public interest or non-compliance with development conditions.
Wike’s latest remarks are expected to continue public debate over how land is allocated in Abuja and whether government policies are benefiting the wider population.
Despite the criticism, the minister insisted that his administration would continue to pursue investment-driven policies aimed at transforming Abuja into a modern and globally competitive capital city.
He also called on Nigerians to understand the difference between land allocation and outright sale of government property, saying misinformation often creates unnecessary controversy around government decisions.