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| FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike fielding questions from journalists during the Minister's monthly Media Parley in Abuja on Wednesday |
FCTA PRESS RELEASE
FCT MINISTER ORDERS CRACKDOWN ON JABI LAKE SHANTIES, VOWS TO ENFORCE
ABUJA MASTER PLAN AND LAND USE COMPLIANCE
…DEFENDS REALLOCATION OF LAND DESIGNED FOR WUYE GENERAL HOSPITAL
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom
Wike, has ordered a crackdown on abandoned and poorly developed areas around
Jabi Lake, describing the current state as an “eyesore unbefitting of Nigeria’s
capital city".
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister said
the FCTA’s actions were strictly guided by the Abuja master plan and the rule
of law, not by sentiment or public pressure.
“They told us they would build something like what you see in
Dubai — a city walk, a proper entertainment centre. But what do you find there
today? Shanties. Who will come and stay in such a place?” Barr Wike queried.
He explained that portions of land around the lake were originally allocated for high-end, recreational and commercial developments but had remained undeveloped for over 15 years, with makeshift structures now taking over.
“For 15 years, nothing happened. We cannot continue like that. If you
are not ready to develop, we will take back the land and give it to those who
are serious", he declared. “You must sign to develop within a given
period. If you fail, the land returns to the government. It is as simple as
that", he added.
The Minister disclosed that the FCTA had already revoked some of the
affected plots as part of efforts to end speculative hoarding of prime land in
the Territory. He stressed that the exercise was not about denying residents
access to Jabi Lake but about restoring order and delivering proper
infrastructure.
“We are not taking anything from the public. We are reclaiming
land from those who failed to do what they were supposed to do or who converted
it to unauthorized uses”, the Minister clarified.
He also condemned the illegal conversion of designated recreational land
for other purposes, citing an instance where a facility meant for leisure was
turned into a place of worship without approval.
“You cannot take land meant for recreation and turn it into something
else. That is not how a modern city operates. We will enforce compliance",
he warned.
Barr. Wike maintained that the objective is to transform the Jabi Lake
area into a world-class recreational and entertainment hub that reflects
Abuja’s status as a modern capital while preserving it as a public asset.
He reiterated the FCT Administration's commitment to enforcing
compliance with land allocations, protecting public assets, and ensuring that
Abuja develops in line with its master plan.
Barr. Wike also used the opportunity to address the recent reallocation
of the land designed for the Wuye General Hospital to a private estate
developer, insisting that the government reserves the right to readjust the
masterplan as the society progresses.
The FCT Minister who had recently faced criticism for the reallocation
of the said land in Wuye to a private developer, said the government in its
wisdom can decide that a location is no longer suitable for a stated purpose
and make amends where necessary.
According to the Minister, “You cannot say the masterplan of 20 years
ago will continue to be the master plan for 2040…"
Explaining the recent decision to divert 10 percent of the allocations
to the FCT Area Councils towards the payment of LEA teachers, the Minister said
the decision became necessary to ensure that pupils are not out of school due
to the incessant strike by their teachers over unpaid arrears.
He added that the FCTA had also earmarked a percentage of its funds to
settle the debts to the teachers, though it was the responsibility of the Area
Councils.
Barr. Wike further dismissed criticisms regarding the recent land allocations to Ambassador-designates, describing the move as well-deserved rather than a misplaced priority. The Minister argued that as these individuals represent and defend Nigeria’s interests abroad, they merit such recognition. “They are people who are going outside the country to defend Nigeria’s interest”, the Minister stated.
Addressing broader national issues during the same media engagement, the
Minister also commented on the lingering leadership crisis within the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP), accusing some party leaders of acting fraudulently and
in defiance of court rulings.
“When will people stop being fraudulent? You cannot disobey court
judgments and then turn around to deceive Nigerians that you have a legitimate
structure. That is not how democracy works", he said.
The FCT Minister challenged the rival faction to prove its legitimacy by
opening an official PDP bank account and Secretariat for the sale of nomination
forms.
“If they are sure they are the authentic leadership of the PDP,
let them open an official PDP account and tell party members to pay nomination
fees into it… Let Turaki, as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, open an account for
the PDP. That day, you will see what will happen", he stated.
He argued that no bank would recognize such an account without authentic
party documents and recognized leadership, adding that any attempt to establish
an illegal PDP office in Abuja would be resisted.
“If anybody goes ahead to open an illegal office in the name of the PDP
in Abuja, I will seal it. I will not allow any breach of peace because my duty
is to maintain law and order in the Federal Capital Territory", He said.
The Minister maintained that court judgments had already settled the
dispute over the PDP leadership and convention, accusing some actors of
misinterpreting judicial pronouncements for political gain. He reaffirmed his
commitment to the PDP and to upholding constitutional order and due process
within the party.
“People you expect to uphold the law are the ones trying to bend it.
That is the tragedy of our system", he added.
RABI MUSA UMAR
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, PRESS
(OFFICE OF THE HONOURABLE MINISTER)
06/05/2026
FCTA/ODP/PR/836
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