Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pushed back against criticism by Channels Television over land allocations in Abuja, defending the policy and accusing the broadcaster of double standards.
Wike’s response follows claims attributed to Channels TV questioning why land was allocated to ambassador-designates instead of being made available to the poor.
In a direct rebuttal, the minister argued that media organisations, including Channels Television, are profit-driven entities that operate as businesses and benefit from similar government allocations.
“Media organisations are not set up for charity; they are for business,” Wike said.
He noted that media houses generate revenue through advertisements, paid live coverage and sponsored content, which fund their operations and staff salaries.
“This is how they make money to fund their operations and pay staff salaries. Why then should we hide this obvious fact?” he added.
Wike clarified that land in the Federal Capital Territory is not sold but allocated by government for specific uses, including commercial activities.
He maintained that allocating land to media organisations for office development is consistent with their role as business entities.
“If government allocates land to a media organisation to build structures where it runs its business, is the organisation not making money from the land?” he asked.
The minister further questioned the basis of the criticism, pointing out that Channels Television itself had previously benefited from land allocation without raising concerns about neglect of the poor.
“When land was allocated to Channels TV, you didn’t complain that the poor were being neglected,” he said.
