Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a strong warning to landowners within the Federal Capital Territory, vowing to revoke the lands of anyone who acquired them illegally. Wike’s commitment to ensuring transparency in land allocation was made clear through his spokesman, Lere Olayinka, who emphasized that the minister would take action against all landowners—regardless of their personal relationships with him—if they fail to regularize their land titles.
Olayinka’s remarks came during a live appearance on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Friday, where he elaborated on the government’s position regarding land ownership and regularization. He emphasized that the FCT minister would enforce the law without showing favor to anyone, asserting that the regularization process is a matter of legal compliance, not personal connections. “What he is saying is that he will not deal with anyone based on friendship but on doing the right thing,” Olayinka said.
A critical aspect of Wike’s enforcement strategy involves the Federal Capital Development Authority’s (FCDA) publication of a list that includes 9,532 Nigerians who are yet to regularize their land allocations within the FCT. The list has drawn significant attention, not only due to the large number of individuals affected but also because of the high-profile names among those listed.
Among the notable figures included are former President Ibrahim Babangida and former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom. The inclusion of Ortom, described as a close friend and political ally of Wike, has raised eyebrows, with critics pointing out the apparent conflict between his political ties and the firm stance taken by the minister. Olayinka highlighted this issue, confirming that Ortom’s name had appeared on the list despite their close relationship.
Olayinka’s statement made it clear that Wike’s commitment to land regularization applies universally, regardless of the status or connections of the individuals involved. He explained that anyone who has not taken the necessary steps to legalize their land claims, including powerful figures or close friends, will face consequences. “Among the people named was former President Ibrahim Babangida and former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom. Ortom, a very close friend and political ally of the FCT Minister, had his name published,” Olayinka stated.
The spokesman went on to stress that Wike is fully prepared to revoke the land allocations of individuals who do not comply with the regularization process. “He says that if you have legitimate land ownership, even if you are his enemy, there will be no issue. However, if you don’t have legitimate ownership, even if you are his friend or wife, you will lose the land,” Olayinka warned.
The urgency of the situation was also conveyed, with Olayinka urging all individuals on the list to act quickly. “I am saying this again: those whose names have been published, among the 9,532 people, should do what they need to do. If the government decides to revoke their allocation, they will go to TV stations and social media activists to speak for them,” Olayinka said.
According to Olayinka, the affected individuals now have an opportunity to regularize their land ownership, but they must act swiftly. He emphasized that the government’s patience would not last forever, and those who fail to comply with the required process will inevitably lose their properties. The minister, he reiterated, would not be swayed by personal relationships when it comes to enforcing the law.
The publication of the 9,532 names serves as a clear signal from the FCT Minister that no one is above the law when it comes to land allocation. The warning issued by Wike and his spokesperson reflects the government’s commitment to tackling land fraud and ensuring that landownership within the FCT is both legitimate and properly documented.
The announcement has sent a ripple through both political and business circles, with many now rushing to regularize their land ownership to avoid the potential loss of property. While Wike’s tough stance has garnered support from some quarters, others have raised concerns about the impact on individuals who may have legitimate claims but have not yet navigated the often complex bureaucratic processes involved in land regularization. Regardless, Wike’s message remains clear: compliance is non-negotiable.
