FCT Minister vows strict enforcement of Abuja Master Plan, warns against illegal land use and speculative land hoarding
By Baron Eloagu – ABUJA, Nigeria — May 7, 2026
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has ordered an immediate crackdown on shanties and abandoned developments around Jabi Lake, insisting that Abuja must be restored to the vision outlined in its master plan.
The Minister also defended the controversial reallocation of land initially designated for the Wuye General Hospital, arguing that urban planning must evolve with changing realities and developmental priorities.
Wike Targets Illegal Structures Around Jabi Lake
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike described the current condition of some areas around Jabi Lake as an “eyesore” inconsistent with the image of Nigeria’s capital city.
According to him, several prime plots allocated for luxury recreational and commercial projects had remained undeveloped for more than 15 years, while illegal makeshift structures gradually took over the environment.
“They told us they would build something like what you see in Dubai — a city walk, a proper entertainment centre. But what do you find there today? Shanties,” the Minister said.
He stressed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) would no longer tolerate speculative acquisition of land without development.
“If you are not ready to develop, we will take back the land and give it to those who are serious,” he declared.
Land Revocations Underway
Wike disclosed that the FCTA had already revoked several affected plots in the Jabi Lake axis as part of broader efforts to enforce compliance with approved land use regulations.
He clarified that the government’s intervention was not aimed at denying residents access to public spaces but at restoring order and ensuring proper infrastructure development.
“We are not taking anything from the public. We are reclaiming land from those who failed to do what they were supposed to do or who converted it to unauthorized uses,” he explained.
The Minister also condemned the conversion of designated recreational spaces into unauthorized facilities, including places of worship, warning that violators would face sanctions.
“You cannot take land meant for recreation and turn it into something else. That is not how a modern city operates. We will enforce compliance,” he warned.
Vision for World-Class Recreational Hub
Wike said the FCTA’s long-term objective was to transform the Jabi Lake area into a modern recreational and tourism destination comparable to global urban entertainment centres.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to preserving public assets while ensuring Abuja develops according to approved urban planning standards.
According to him, strict adherence to the Abuja master plan remains central to the current administration’s urban renewal agenda.
Minister Defends Wuye Hospital Land Reallocation
Addressing criticisms surrounding the reallocation of land previously designated for the Wuye General Hospital to a private estate developer, Wike insisted that governments reserve the right to adjust development plans as societal needs evolve.
“You cannot say the master plan of 20 years ago will continue to be the master plan for 2040,” he stated.
The Minister argued that urban development frameworks are dynamic and must respond to population growth, economic realities, and changing infrastructure demands.
LEA Teachers’ Funding and Area Council Allocations
Wike also explained the recent decision to divert 10 percent of Area Council allocations toward the payment of Local Education Authority (LEA) teachers.
He said the move became necessary to prevent prolonged school closures caused by recurring strikes over unpaid salaries and arrears.
The Minister disclosed that the FCTA had additionally committed part of its own resources to support the settlement of outstanding obligations owed to teachers, despite primary responsibility resting with the Area Councils.
PDP Crisis and Threat Against Illegal Party Offices
The FCT Minister further weighed in on the lingering leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing rival factions of acting contrary to court rulings and constitutional processes.
He challenged those claiming leadership legitimacy to open official PDP bank accounts and operational offices if they truly possessed legal recognition.
“If anybody goes ahead to open an illegal office in the name of the PDP in Abuja, I will seal it,” Wike warned.
He maintained that his duty as FCT Minister includes preserving law and order within the nation’s capital.
Wike’s latest pronouncements signal a tougher enforcement regime in the Federal Capital Territory, with the administration prioritising urban renewal, regulatory compliance, and stricter land-use enforcement. As the FCTA intensifies efforts to reshape Abuja’s development landscape, debates over land reallocations, urban planning, and political authority are expected to remain at the centre of public discourse.
![Nigerian military prepares to cordon the area where a man was killed by suspected rebel fighters during an attack around the Polo area of Maiduguri, Nigeria, in 2019 [File: Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters]](https://a1news.com.ng/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Nigeria-military-on-patrol.webp)
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