By our reporter
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended recent land revocations involving the Abuja Technology Village Free Zone and the University of Abuja, saying the actions were legally justified and necessary to address prolonged land misuse and support urban development.
Wike said the land originally allocated to the Abuja Technology Village project was reclaimed after over 20 years of inactivity and deviation from its intended use. Instead of becoming a hub for technological innovation, the site was reportedly turned into informal commercial areas, including truck parking zones. He announced that the site will now host a new public-private development project called Abuja City Walk, modeled after Dubai’s City Walk, and scheduled to begin soon.
On the controversy surrounding the University of Abuja, Wike clarified that he did not personally revoke the institution’s land, stating that the action was taken by the previous FCT administration. He explained that the university still retains around 4,000 hectares, which he said is sufficient for its academic needs.
Wike also announced the end of the grace period for property owners owing ground rent, adding that defaulters would soon face enforcement actions including the sealing of properties. He stressed that revenue from ground rents is essential for maintaining infrastructure and delivering services in the capital.
Meanwhile, investors behind the Abuja Technology Village have taken legal action against the revocation, arguing that the land falls under the jurisdiction of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and not the FCTA. They claim the move threatens over $639 million in investment and violates federal free zone regulations.
Wike maintained that his reforms aim to correct years of land mismanagement, enforce compliance, and stimulate development across Abuja.
