The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has issued a clear message regarding land allocation in the FCT. Wike emphasized that before any agency or institution is granted land, they must enter into an agreement with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), specifically through the Land Department. This agreement will ensure that the institution is committed to developing the land within a specific timeframe.

Wike made these remarks during a courtesy visit from the Executive Secretary of the University Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Hamid Bobboyi, and his delegation. UBEC had requested land allocation to build staff quarters in the Federal Capital Territory.

In his response, Wike expressed frustration over institutions receiving land without putting it to use. He pointed out that undeveloped land often attracts illegal settlements and criminal activities, making the FCT less safe.

To prevent this, Wike stated that institutions seeking land must agree to develop it within a set period and prove they have the financial resources to carry out the development. Failure to comply would result in the land being reclaimed by the FCTA.

Wike shared his observations: “We’ve noticed that institutions receive land but leave it undeveloped for 15 to 20 years. During this time, people move in, build illegal structures, and unfortunately, it attracts criminal elements. This is a major problem for us.”

He also highlighted the challenges the FCTA faces when trying to remove people from these illegal settlements. “When we try to clear these areas, people claim they are struggling due to the poor economy, making it even harder for us to resolve these issues.”

Wike stressed that moving forward, all land allocations will require a clear agreement stating the timeline for development. If an agency fails to fulfill this commitment, the FCTA will take back the land and reallocate it.