The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has expressed strong disapproval over the underutilisation of over 10,000 hectares of land allocated to the University of Abuja, warning that undeveloped plots may be reclaimed by the government.
Wike voiced his concerns on Friday during an inspection tour of the access road to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Academy in Giri District, which sits on land within the university’s domain. Speaking to journalists, he questioned the logic behind acquiring such a vast area without visible development.
“This inspection has opened our eyes to the scale of land acquired by the University of Abuja. It’s unacceptable. You can’t hold back development. I don’t understand why a university would take over 10,000 hectares of land—what for?” he said, according to a statement by the minister’s press director, Anthony Ogunleye.
He stressed that the value of a university lies in the quality of its infrastructure, not the size of its landholding. “What defines a university isn’t the sheer expanse of land. It’s the infrastructure. You can have 20,000 hectares, but without solid infrastructure, it’s of no benefit,” he added.
The minister warned that the FCT Administration would no longer tolerate land hoarding, asserting that any undeveloped land would be reclaimed and reallocated to those ready to build.
“This culture of acquiring land just for the sake of it must stop. If you’re given land, you develop it. If you don’t, the government will take it back and give it to someone who will. That is our policy,” Wike stated firmly.
He also criticised the non-development of land allocated to the Nigeria Police in the same area, but expressed optimism that the construction of road infrastructure would encourage development among other landholders.
While inspecting other ongoing projects—including the 15-kilometre Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) to Wassa, being executed by China Geo-engineering Corporation (CGC)—Wike commended the contractors for their work.
“We’re impressed with the quality and pace of the job. By God’s grace, Mr. President will be pleased when he comes to inaugurate these projects,” he said.
The minister reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to completing all ongoing projects ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s second anniversary in office.
“This administration under President Tinubu does not believe in abandoning projects. Every contract awarded must be completed for the benefit of the people,” Wike assured, pledging continuous support for contractors.
