By Pius Awunah
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has clarified the FCT Administration’s decision to revoke land allocations at the Abuja Technology Village, stating that the move was essential to pave way for the ambitious Abuja City Walk project, modeled after the renowned Dubai City Walk.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday, August 4, 2025,the minister revealed that the supposed investors of the Abuja Technology Village had failed to develop the site as per the agreement entered with the government.
Instead, he lamented, they were engaged in land-grabbing activities.
“The FCTA provided the infrastructure for more than 20 years, and nothing was done. You go there, they have rented out the place, you see where NNPC tankers are parked. They collect money. So many people are now claiming to have C of Os. I said okay, I must resolve this problem. There is nothing called Abuja Technology Village”,he added.
Wike expressed regret that despite the FCT Administration providing necessary infrastructure for over two decades,the developers had not laid a single foundation stone and were instead leasing out the land for financial gain.
Providing insight into the proposed Abuja City Walk, for which an MOU was recently signed with a private investor, the Minister explained that he was inspired by the development at the Dubai City Walk during his visit to the Gulf city.
He reaffirmed government’s desire to provide world-class infrastructure of international standards.
Emphasising that the Abuja City Walk will improve the lives of residents, create jobs, and bring overall development to the FCT, Wike expressed confidence in the investors involved in the project, noting their commitment to providing drawings and making the payment for necessary fees.
He disclosed that performance clauses have been introduced into the agreement, with the first phase of the project slated for commissioning next year.
“This multi-billion-dollar investment will significantly transform the city’s landscape and boost employment,” he stated.
Addressing efforts to mitigate land grabbing by unscrupulous investors, the minister announced a policy shift introducing clear timelines for development.
The Minister also addressed the controversy surrounding the revoked land of the University of Abuja, stating that the institution had occupied the land for many years without development.
He maintained that the 4,000 hectares remaining for the university was more than adequate, dismissing claims that a significant portion comprised rocks.
He highlighted that development activities, including the EFCC academy, were now springing up on the reallocated land.
On the newly renovated conference centre,Wike revealed that barely a month after its reopening, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, has already generated over N1.2 billion in revenue for the government, a significant increase in revenue compared to the N50 million annually remitted by the center’s previous managers.
It will be recalled that the conference center was officially reopened by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2025, following a period of closure for renovations.
The Minister assured residents of more impactful projects beyond recent commissioning exercises and listed ongoing road projects in various Area Councils, rural water projects, and the extensive rehabilitation of schools.
He countered assertions that the FCTA was solely focused on “brick and mortar” projects, explaining that road projects, especially in the Area Councils, were prioritized based on consultations with stakeholders, including traditional rulers and the youth.
On the education sector,Wike challenged critics to visit rehabilitated and furnished schools in rural areas, offering logistical support for press tours to witness the administration’s achievements. He promised to commission ten school projects, particularly in rural areas, to demonstrate government’s commitment to educational development in the FCT.
While acknowledging the funding challenges faced by the Area Councils, he stressed that the FCT Administration has been providing vital interventions in school rehabilitation and teacher remuneration.
The minister also highlighted the FCT’s substantial workforce and the increased financial outlay required for maintenance, particularly with the recent minimum wage increment.
He called on the FCT representatives in the National Assembly to advocate a special intervention fund, citing the inadequacy of the one percent allocation from the Federal Government’s share of the federation account.
While acknowledging that not all problems could be solved in a short time, the FCT Minister, however, reaffirmed the current government’s commitment to good governance and the positive impact on residents’ lives.
On the issue of unpaid ground rent, the minister issued a stern warning that the FCT Administration would soon resume the seal-off of defaulting properties following the expiration of the two-week grace period undeterred by sentiment.
He questioned why affluent individuals were unwilling to pay ground rent while demanding infrastructure provision.
