Abuja, July 1, 2025
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has accused the University of Abuja of “land grabbing,” claiming the institution thrice overstated its permanent site’s land by occupying 11,824 hectares without proper authorisation. During the commissioning of a new access road in Giri District, Wike announced that only 4,000 hectares are legally allocated, and the excess would be reallocated by FCTA .
Speaking at the event, attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, Wike said: “You see them fencing everywhere, and before you know it, they would have gone to sell our land… I said that will not happen.” He directed the FCT Director of Lands to formalise the scale‑down while infrastructure development continues.
Previously, Wike had described the university’s acquisition of over 1,000 hectares as “unfuturistic” and warned that without development the land would be reclaimed. 1141-0He emphasised institutional development must be measured in built infrastructure, not duplicative land holdings.
In response, the Acting Director of Information at UNIAbuja, Dr. Habib Yakoob, insisted the university holds valid title documents, granted with approval from previous FCT authorities. He highlighted ongoing development funded by TETFund and other agencies and noted that the university has engaged relevant authorities for resolution .
This dispute highlights tensions over land use policy in Abuja and could influence planned projects in Giri District, including the EFCC Academy and potential National Assembly institutions. FCTA officials say the reallocation is intended to ensure equitable access to land for public-interest projects.
