Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the allocation of land to diplomatic personnel in Abuja, accusing critics of hypocrisy and double standards over a policy he described as routine government practice.
Speaking during a project inspection in Abuja on Thursday, Wike dismissed allegations that the FCT Administration was favouring foreign diplomats over ordinary Nigerians, insisting that land allocation remains a legitimate strategy for investment, infrastructure growth, and urban development.
The minister particularly took a swipe at sections of the media criticising the policy, noting that many prominent organisations currently operate on lands allocated to them by the government.
“When you are living in a glass house, don’t throw stones,” Wike said.
“You were given land, and you are not among the poor, so why are you complaining now?” he added.
Wike argued that media organisations are commercial entities that generate revenue through advertisements, sponsored programmes, and live coverage, stressing that they were not exempt from benefiting from government land allocations.
He specifically referenced major broadcast organisations, including Channels Television and AIT, saying their headquarters were built on lands allocated by the FCT Administration rather than acquired through private purchase.
The FCT minister also rejected claims that the administration was “selling” lands to privileged individuals and foreign interests.
“The FCT does not sell land; it allocates it based on specific conditions and investment proposals,” he stated.
“All allottees, including diplomats, are required to pay procedural fees for the processing of their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).”
Wike further clarified that many of the controversial allocations being criticised were approved by previous administrations, noting that governance is a continuous process.
He warned that lands allocated for specific projects must be developed in line with agreed terms or risk revocation by the government.
Citing the example of the Jabi Lake axis, the minister said some lands allocated decades ago for tourism and entertainment purposes had remained undeveloped, forcing the government to reclaim and reassign them to investors willing to execute viable projects.
Wike also dismissed arguments that prime lands should be reserved solely for low-income residents, insisting that large-scale investments were necessary to transform the capital city into a globally competitive destination.
He maintained that his administration would continue to prioritise infrastructure, tourism, and economic development rather than “playing to the gallery.”
“I will always stand by the truth,” the minister declared.
