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Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has revealed how he reclaimed government land from alleged land grabbers and cut through bureaucracy to revive a long-abandoned technology village project.
Speaking on Thursday during the inauguration of the Abuja City Walk, Wike said the site had remained undeveloped for over 30 years despite being designated for an Abuja Technology Village.
According to the minister, the project was introduced to him by the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Emem Osoro, who proposed a partnership between the Federal Capital Territory Administration and international development partners.
Wike admitted he was initially sceptical because of previous failed investment proposals.
“When she came and said that development partners would want to partner with the FCT, I said I’ve had experience of people coming to show me three Gs. I don’t think I’ll be willing to do that.”
He said he challenged the investors to demonstrate their commitment by returning for another meeting and visiting the proposed site.
“I said, if you know that you are serious, let us meet again tomorrow. To show that we are also serious, we’ll take you to where you want and let us show you the place.”
According to Wike, the investors accepted the invitation, paving the way for the project to move forward.
The minister said the biggest obstacle was reclaiming the land, which he alleged had been taken over by illegal occupants.
“This particular place is supposed to have what we call the technology village, which has been here for over 30 something years.”
He accused officials responsible for the land of allowing it to be misused instead of preserving it for its intended purpose.
“The agency concerned was renting it out, apportioning it out to people who are doing all kinds of things. They found land grabbers who had even forged land documents to claim ownership of this particular place.”
Wike said he intervened to recover the property for the government.
“I put my foot down. I said no, this is government property and I must have this development to come to the FCT.”
To prevent delays, the minister said he personally chaired the implementation committee and insisted on a memorandum of understanding with strict timelines for each phase of the project.
“The only thing we can do is have a memorandum of understanding where we give timelines… If that is not possible, forget it. We’ll take our land back.”
He added that he later travelled to Dubai to meet with the development partners, where they assured him the project would be ready before the third anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration.
“I thank God Almighty today it has come to reality.”
Wike described the project as a key investment that aligns with Tinubu’s efforts to attract foreign investors and drive economic development in the FCT.
