The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the FCT land allocation process, saying critics attacking the government over land given to diplomats are being unfair and inconsistent.
Wike spoke on Thursday while inspecting ongoing projects in Abuja. He reacted to complaints that the government was giving preference to foreign diplomats instead of regular Nigerians in the allocation of land within the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the minister, land allocation is a normal government process aimed at encouraging investment and supporting urban development. He said many of those criticizing the policy had also benefited from government land allocations in the past.
Wike pointed to some media organisations operating in Abuja, saying several of them currently use headquarters built on land allocated by the FCT Administration. He noted that such organisations are private businesses that earn money through advertisements, live broadcasts and other commercial activities.
The minister said it was wrong for people who once benefited from government allocations to now attack the same policy. He added that land in the FCT is not simply sold like ordinary property, explaining that allocations are usually tied to development plans and agreements.
He also clarified that allottees, including diplomats, are expected to pay official charges connected to the processing of Certificates of Occupancy and other documentation.
Wike further explained that many of the land allocations attracting criticism were approved by previous administrations because government policies continue beyond one tenure.
The minister warned that land owners must develop allocated property according to agreed terms or risk losing the land. He cited the case of land around Jabi Lake which was reportedly allocated years ago for tourism and entertainment purposes but remained undeveloped for a long time before the government reclaimed it for new investors.
He also dismissed arguments that only low-income residents should receive land in high-value areas of the capital city. According to him, major projects and tourist centres require investors with the financial strength to develop such locations.
Wike maintained that his administration would continue to focus on development and investment policies aimed at improving Abuja and attracting more economic activities into the city.