Civil Society Demands Presidential Action as Wike Allegedly Orchestrate Secret 500-Hectare Land Grab for Private Estate
A civil society group, Integrity and Transparency Watchdog, has called on the President and Commander-in-Chief President Bola Tinubu to stop the alleged move by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike to allocate a newly created Plot No. 267, encompassing a substantial 500 hectares in Usuma District to a private entity.
The group also called on members of the National Assembly to assert their oversight role and protect citizens from this form of administrative overreach.
The group in a statement on Monday signed by Dr. Ibrahim Sodangi, claimed that Wike’s secretive moves underscores concerns that such maneuvers not only circumvent due process but also reflect a larger disregard for transparency and equity in the management of public lands.
Recall that Wike, recently issued plot allocation papers to Radcom Nigeria Limited in the Lugbe area of Abuja shortly after demolition activities began there.
In October 2024, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) initiated the demolition of duplexes and bungalows in Sabon Lugbe, led by Mukhtar Galadima, Director of the FCTA’s Department of Development Control. Initially targeting 10 buildings, the demolition ultimately involved nearly 50 structures.
The move drawn strong criticism from residents and estate developers, who claim the demolitions were conducted without prior notice, displacing hundreds of people. They allege the demolition serves as a form of intimidation and oppression, accusing Wike of reallocating the land to his allies and associates.
Similarly, the civil society group said ‘‘This particular 500 hectares in Usuma District has already been allocated, with numerous lawful occupants holding valid Rights of Occupancy as authorized by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). Many of these occupants have invested significantly in the area, paying rent and contributing to its development.’’
The group further warned that ‘’seizing land from these rightful owners to favor a private estate not only breaches established norms but could also establish a dangerous precedent for future land allocations, potentially jeopardizing public trust in the FCT’s land governance system.’’
Sodangi expressed deep apprehension about the minister’s alleged actions, describing ‘‘them as a blatant abuse of authority.
“We are witnessing the creation of new plots from previously allocated land, disregarding the rights of current landholders and disrupting lives,” Dr. Sodangi stated.
Sodangi also said, ‘‘The minister’s decisions are perceived as not only unlawful but fundamentally unfair, with significant implications for those who have staked their livelihoods in Usuma District.’’
The group also claims that ‘‘official documentation for the newly created Plot 267 is already being processed under Wike’s directive, raising fears that this allocation may soon be formalized despite the outcry.
‘‘Current landholders in the district have been left in limbo, facing potential displacement and the loss of investments they have poured into developing their plots. ‘’
The group argues that these tactics undermine the integrity of land administration, and could deter investors and citizens alike, as trust in land governance systems erodes.
Sodangi reminded Wike that his position is not permanent, as he cautioned against the use of ‘‘public office to make unilateral decisions that could damage public trust for years to come.
He called on the President, the National Assembly, and other key stakeholders to ensure that the rule of law prevails and that the rights of citizens are upheld.
