The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, defended the allocation of land in Abuja to diplomats, investors and organizations, insisting the policy was driven by development priorities rather than favoritism.
Wike made the remarks during a project inspection tour in Abuja, where he responded to criticisms that the Federal Capital Territory Administration was prioritizing foreign diplomats and elites over ordinary citizens in its land allocation decisions.
The controversy follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of land allocations in Abuja for ambassadors and high commissioners-designate, part of efforts to provide dedicated facilities for Nigeria’s foreign missions in the capital.
Addressing the concerns, Wike maintained that land allocation remained a standard government instrument for urban development and investment attraction, stressing that the FCT does not sell land but allocates it under defined conditions.
He dismissed claims of preferential treatment, arguing that many of the allocations being questioned were approved under previous administrations and reflected a continuous governance process.
Wike also faulted critics who, according to him, ignore the role of private investment in developing the capital, insisting that high-value districts cannot be developed without significant capital inflow.
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He warned that land allocated for specific purposes must be developed within agreed timelines or risk revocation by the government.
Citing the Jabi Lake corridor, he noted that land allocated about 20 years ago for tourism and recreational development had remained undeveloped until it was reclaimed for reassignment to new investors with credible development plans.
The minister further rejected arguments that prime areas in Abuja should be reserved exclusively for low-income earners, stating that such locations require substantial investment to deliver modern infrastructure and economic value.
He also pointed out that media organisations, including some major broadcast stations, currently operate on government-allocated land, noting that they function as commercial entities generating revenue from their operations.
Wike urged critics to be consistent in their positions, warning against what he described as selective criticism of a system that had long supported both public and private development in the capital.
He reaffirmed that his administration would continue to pursue structured land policies aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, attracting investment and improving the urban landscape of Abuja.