The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to enforce strict compliance with land use regulations and ground rent payments across the territory. Speaking on Thursday in Abuja during the distribution of 50 Hilux vehicles to security agencies, Wike declared that no amount of blackmail or sentiment would deter the FCT Administration from taking decisive actions against defaulters.
Addressing the issue of unpaid ground rents, Wike warned property owners who had been given ample notice to comply with the law.
He also cautioned construction companies against illegally claiming ownership of government-allocated lands meant for operational purposes, citing a recent case involving Julius Berger Nigeria PLC. “Having a site for construction doesn’t mean ownership. Show us documents that the land belongs to you,” Wike stated, stressing the need for transparency and due process.
In response to criticism over land revocations, including a plot reportedly linked to Niger Delta activist Chief Rita Lori Ogbebor, the minister urged affected individuals to present valid documentation for their claims. “We are not afraid of blackmail. You cannot obtain government land without formal approval or documentation. What is wrong is wrong, and no amount of blackmail can stop us,” he asserted.
Wike further announced plans to publish a comprehensive list of Abuja landowners to ensure accountability and promote transparency in land allocation and usage.
