The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly denied claims that he allocated 2,000 hectares of prime land in Abuja’s exclusive Maitama and Asokoro districts to his son. The allegations, which have stirred significant public attention, were swiftly dismissed by Wike’s aide as baseless and defamatory.
In a statement addressing the controversy, Wike’s representative clarified that no land has been allocated to any of the minister’s children, emphasizing that any land ownership by the minister or his family would adhere to legal processes applicable to all Nigerians.
The alleged allocation, reportedly spanning 2,082 hectares, has raised eyebrows due to the high-value nature of Maitama and Asokoro, two of Abuja’s most prestigious Phase 1 districts. These areas are known for their luxurious real estate, diplomatic residences, and proximity to key government institutions, including the Presidential Villa.
Experts suggest that the sheer size of the claimed allocation—equivalent to over 5,000 acres—would be highly improbable given the districts’ established development and limited available land.
This is not the first time Wike has faced questions over land distribution. Historical records recall a Senate probe where the minister humorously deflected similar accusations by suggesting he might allocate land to his enemies, a remark that underscored the contentious nature of land reforms in the capital. Critics have long called for greater transparency in the FCT’s land allocation processes, with some pointing to recent reforms as potentially benefiting political allies.
