The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the allocation of 291.01 hectares of land in Abuja to eight companies, including oil and gas firms, property companies, and commercial businesses. The allocations, made through offers of statutory rights of occupancy, cover 10 plots in Cadastral Zone E01, Giri, Abuja. The beneficiaries include GI Properties Limited, Unicorn Oil and Gas Limited, and International Energy Centre Limited.
GI Properties Limited received the largest allocation, with 113.19 hectares, while Unicorn Oil and Gas Limited was allocated two plots measuring 40.34 hectares. International Energy Centre Limited got 20 hectares, and Adorable Foundation for Educational Development, an educational foundation, received 30.57 hectares at a lower premium of N100 per square meter. The allocations have raised questions about the distribution of public land in the FCT.
Sources familiar with the land allocations expressed concerns that the land, which belongs to the University of Abuja, is being allocated to private interests. One source described the development as "particularly troubling" given the difficulties ordinary Nigerians face when applying for smaller residential plots. The source noted that while Nigerians apply for plots measuring 250-500 square meters, Wike is allocating land in hectares.
The documents obtained by Sahara Reporters show that the allocations were made between April 2024 and October 2026, with varying premiums and annual rents. Alphaseal Business Limited received two commercial plots, measuring 8.57 hectares, at a premium of N5,000 per square meter. Salmond Wave Limited was allocated 73.22 hectares, with an offer dated June 27, 2024.
The allocations have sparked concerns about the use of public land for private gain. The FCT Minister's office has not commented on the matter. The University of Abuja has also not issued a statement on the allocation of its land to private companies.
The land allocations were made under the authority of the FCT Minister, with offers of statutory rights of occupancy issued to the beneficiaries. The allocations are for 99-year lease terms, with rent revision every five years. The purposes of the allocations include mixed-use development, commercial use, and educational use.
The controversy surrounding the land allocations highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public land in the FCT. The allocations have raised questions about the priorities of the FCT government and the distribution of land to private interests.
Key points
- FCT Minister Nyesom Wike allocated 291 hectares of University of Abuja land to eight companies.
- GI Properties Limited received the largest allocation, with 113.19 hectares.
- The allocations have sparked concerns about the use of public land for private gain.
