CurrentReport Blog The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has emphasized that land allocations to agencies or institutions in the FCT will now be contingent on firm agreements with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). These agreements, managed through the Land Department, will require that the institution commits to developing the land within a specified timeframe.
Wike made this clear during a courtesy visit from the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Hamid Bobboyi, on Thursday in Abuja. Bobboyi had requested land allocation to enable UBEC to construct staff quarters within the FCT.
Responding to the request, Wike expressed concern about institutions being allocated land but failing to develop it, leading to the growth of shanties and criminal activities. He stressed that moving forward, institutions seeking land must demonstrate not only a commitment to developing the property within a specific period but also their financial capacity to carry out the development.
“What we have found out is that most institutions apply for land, you give them land, 20 years, 15 years, no development, and then people go and build shanties, which of course attracts criminals,” Wike explained. He further noted that failure to adhere to development timelines often results in additional challenges for the FCTA, including public backlash when efforts are made to clear such areas.
Wike reiterated that land allocations will now come with clear agreements between the FCTA and institutions, outlining the timeline for development. Should the institution fail to comply, the land will be reclaimed by the FCTA.
