The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has expressed serious concerns regarding the underutilization of land allocated to the University of Abuja. He described the lack of development on over 10,000 hectares as unacceptable.
During an inspection tour of the access road to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Academy in Giri District, Wike questioned the rationale behind such a large land acquisition without corresponding development. He emphasized that many universities operate on smaller land sizes but achieve greater impact through solid infrastructure.
Wike stated, “What makes a university is not the large expanse of land. What makes a university is the infrastructure quality. You can have 20,000 hectares of land, but if the university does not have any infrastructure, what does it help?”
He warned that the FCT Administration would not tolerate land hoarding, indicating that undeveloped land would be reclaimed and reallocated. “If they give you land, you develop it. If you don’t develop it, the government will take it back and give it to those who want to develop,” he declared.
Wike also remarked on the non-development of land allocated to the Nigeria Police in the same area, expressing hope that ongoing road infrastructure projects would stimulate development among landowners.
Inspecting other infrastructure projects, including the 15-kilometre Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) being developed by China Geo-engineering Corporation, Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work. He reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to timely project delivery as part of preparations for the second anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating, “This administration does not believe in abandoned projects.”
