UNIABUJA LAND DEAL: FCT ADMINISTRATION URGED TO DISCLOSE DOCUMENTS BEHIND WIKE’S 291-HECTARE ALLOCATIONS
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration has been urged to make public all documents relating to the reported allocation of 291 hectares of land previously associated with the University of Abuja to eight private companies, including one firm reportedly allocated 113 hectares.
The demand for transparency comes amid growing questions over the circumstances surrounding the reported redistribution of the university-associated land and the processes through which the private allocations were approved.
At the centre of the controversy is the need for the FCT Administration, under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, to demonstrate that the exercise complied with applicable laws, followed due process and adequately protected the public interest.
The FCT Administration should publish the relevant revocation instruments, original and subsequent allocation letters, survey plans, valuation reports and evidence of payments made by the beneficiaries.
Such disclosure would enable Nigerians, independent investigators and relevant public institutions to establish the legal basis for the land redistribution, identify the beneficiaries and assess whether the transactions reflected fair valuation and transparent administrative procedures.
The fundamental issue goes beyond whether the FCT Minister possesses statutory authority to allocate land. It concerns how that authority was exercised, the justification for transferring substantial land interests associated with a federal university to private companies, and whether the university's institutional and public interests were adequately protected.
Public land is a strategic national asset, not an ordinary administrative commodity. Decisions affecting land previously associated with a public educational institution demand clear documentation, accountability and public scrutiny.
The reported allocation of 291 hectares, particularly the 113-hectare portion reportedly granted to a single company, makes full disclosure imperative.
The FCT Administration, the University of Abuja and the identified beneficiary companies should provide explanations on the circumstances surrounding the exercise, including the status of the land before the reported allocations, the legal instruments authorising the changes and any compensation or financial consideration involved.
Importantly, the questions raised do not, in themselves, establish wrongdoing. However, the absence of publicly accessible documentation would make independent assessment of the process difficult and leave legitimate questions unanswered.
The Analyst will continue to pursue the matter, seek official responses from the FCT Administration, the University of Abuja and the identified beneficiaries, and examine the available records in the interest of public accountability.
Public assets demand public accountability. Nigerians deserve answers.
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