The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized the University of Abuja—recently renamed Yakubu Gowon University—for acquiring a massive 1,000 hectares of land, describing the move as excessive and counterproductive to Abuja’s development goals.
Wike made the remarks during an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects in the capital, including the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) and the road leading to the EFCC Academy, as part of preparations for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year in office.
“It’s unacceptable,” the minister said. “What’s the purpose of taking 1,000 hectares? Development is being denied. Universities aren’t defined by land size but by infrastructure and academic quality.”
He expressed concerns over the institution’s failure to utilize the land productively and warned that any public land left undeveloped would be reclaimed by the government and reassigned.
“This idea of grabbing land for the sake of it must stop. If you don’t develop it, we’ll take it back and give it to those who will,” Wike asserted.
The minister further questioned the intentions behind such land acquisition, warning it could lead to illegal leasing and misuse.
“Before long, you’ll see people leasing parts of the land. That’s not what universities are for. We need infrastructure, not just empty land.”
FCT Commissions First Solar-Powered Market in Abuja
On a more upbeat note, Minister Wike—represented by Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud—officially commissioned the Utako Farmer’s Market, a groundbreaking project and Nigeria’s first evergreen solar-powered market.
Developed across 3,000 square meters, the market includes 50 lock-up shops, 40 informal stalls, and seven warehouses, and is expected to boost local agribusiness, reduce food waste, and support rural incomes.
“This market is more than a retail space. It’s an economic hub connecting farmers directly with buyers, eliminating middlemen and increasing profit margins for producers,” said Wike.
He applauded the Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL), led by Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, for its role in promoting strategic partnerships and economic opportunities in the FCT.
“This is a clear example of what’s possible through public-private collaboration and people-focused development,” Wike added.
AICL’s Managing Director, Amb. Tamuno, described the project as a step toward sustainable urban growth and food security, aligning with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“Despite the high costs of renewable energy, we took this bold step because sustainability matters. This market is a model of modern, eco-friendly infrastructure serving farmers, traders, and residents alike,” she stated.
Commendations from Lawmakers and FCT Officials
In separate messages, Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Sen. David Jimkuta, and the Head of Service for the FCT, Grace Adayilo, commended the commitment of both ministers and AICL’s leadership in driving economic development and transforming Abuja into a modern, globally competitive city.
