Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vehemently denied recent reports claiming he allocated an unprecedented 2,082 hectares of land to one of his sons in the highly coveted Maitama and Asokoro districts of Abuja. The Minister, through a statement signed by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, dismissed the allegations as “another falsehood from the vault of those whose main job is to malign the FCT Minister.”
The refutal comes amidst heightened scrutiny over land administration in the FCT, a portfolio known for its controversies. Wike’s office has challenged the veracity of the claims, questioning the feasibility of finding such a vast expanse of unallocated land in Abuja’s most developed areas.
Allegations and Rebuttal: A Battle of Narratives
The allegations, which gained traction on certain online platforms, suggested that Wike had used his ministerial position to secure a massive land allocation for a family member. Such claims, if true, would spark widespread public outrage in a country where land ownership, especially in Abuja, is often a flashpoint for corruption allegations.
However, Lere Olayinka, in his statement, categorically rejected these reports. He asserted that not a single plot of land has been allocated to any of Wike’s children. He further questioned the credibility of the publications, accusing their authors of being “quack journalists” who lacked fundamental training and understanding of land administration in the FCT.
“Even though it is the right of the Minister and his family to own lands anywhere in Nigeria, no land has been allocated to any of his children.”
Olayinka emphasized the absurdity of the specific claim, rhetorically asking, “In Asokoro and Maitama of today, where can the FCT Minister see 2,082 hectares of land to allocate to anyone?” This highlights the practical impossibility of finding such a large undeveloped expanse in these fully built-up, high-density areas.
Clarifying the Facts: The JOAQ Farms and Estate Limited Case
The Minister’s office took specific aim at the “documentation” cited by the publications, clarifying that the only relevant record was a Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) issued to JOAQ Farms and Estate Limited. Crucially, this allocation was not for a residential plot in Maitama or Asokoro, but for agricultural purposes in the Bwari Area Council – a significantly different and less developed part of the FCT.
“For the avoidance of doubt, JOAQ Farms and Estate Limited, a company duly registered in Nigeria, obtained a land allocation in Bwari Area Council for the purpose of farming. There’s nothing wrong with a farmer getting land allocation strictly for the purpose of agriculture,” Olayinka stated. This distinction is vital, as agricultural land allocations are typically larger, located in peripheral areas, and are intended to boost food production, aligning with government initiatives.
The Wider Context: Land Scarcity and Political Battles in FCT
The FCT, Abuja, remains a highly desirable location for land and property, leading to intense competition and frequent allegations of corruption in land allocation. The Minister’s role, particularly in the allocation and revocation of land titles, often places them at the center of political contention and public scrutiny.
Nyesom Wike’s tenure as FCT Minister has been marked by a proactive approach to land administration, including the controversial revocation of numerous land titles and efforts to reclaim undeveloped plots. This aggressive stance, while aimed at restoring the Abuja Master Plan and ensuring equitable distribution, has naturally generated friction and opposition from those affected by the policies.
The current denial, therefore, can be viewed within the broader context of ongoing political skirmishes and attempts to discredit public officials through allegations, some of which may be unfounded.
Conclusion
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has unequivocally denied the allegations of allocating 2,082 hectares of land in prime Abuja districts to his son. His office has labeled the reports as malicious falsehoods, challenging their accuracy and providing a counter-narrative centered on a legitimate agricultural land allocation to a registered company in a different part of the FCT.
While the right of a public official’s family to own land is acknowledged, the Minister’s team emphasizes that no preferential treatment or improper allocation has occurred. This episode underscores the intense scrutiny faced by those in charge of land administration in Nigeria’s capital and the continuous battle against misinformation in the political landscape.
