August 5, 2025 — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has clarified the reason behind the revocation of land earlier allocated to a proposed private university in Abuja, citing non-compliance with development guidelines and breach of contractual obligations.
Speaking to journalists at the FCT Administration Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, Wike revealed that the land in question, situated within the Abuja Municipal Area Council, had remained undeveloped for several years, contrary to the conditions stipulated at the time of allocation. He emphasized that the government could no longer allow premium land meant for educational development to lie fallow in a rapidly expanding capital city.
According to Wike, “The land was allocated over a decade ago for the purpose of building a university, but up till now, there has been no meaningful development. The terms were clear — develop within a specified time frame or risk revocation. That time has long passed.”
He noted that the revocation was not targeted at any particular individual or institution but was part of a wider sanitization effort to ensure that all land within the FCT is put to proper and productive use. “We are reclaiming all lands that have been allocated and abandoned or converted to uses different from what they were intended for,” Wike said.
The minister reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for land speculation and misuse, stressing that the FCTA remains committed to supporting genuine investors and developers, especially in critical sectors like education, health, and infrastructure. He added that a review committee has been set up to assess all major land allocations across the territory for compliance.
This action comes as part of the broader urban renewal and land administration reforms initiated by the FCT Administration under Wike’s leadership. The minister urged prospective landowners to adhere strictly to development timelines and guidelines to avoid similar penalties.