FCT Minister says critics wrong, insists abandoned allocations converted to public infrastructure as Tinubu commissions new judiciary housing in Katampe

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the revocation of undeveloped land allocations in Abuja, insisting that the policy is not land grabbing but a drive to put abandoned public assets to productive use.

Wike spoke on Thursday during the commissioning of the newly constructed Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters in the Katampe District of Abuja.

He said allegations that his administration was seizing land for personal or political interests were unfounded, adding that the projects now standing on recovered plots demonstrate the purpose of the policy.

According to him, the land used for the judges’ quarters had been allocated to a construction firm over 15 years ago but was left undeveloped until the FCT Administration revoked it and repurposed it for public benefit.

“Those who accused me of land grabbing can now see that I did not grab any land. We simply took back land that was abandoned for over 15 years and transformed it into infrastructure that serves the judiciary and the Nigerian people,” Wike said.

The commissioning was performed on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

In his remarks, President Tinubu said the project reflects his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare, dignity, and independence of the judiciary, noting that a strong justice system is essential to national development and good governance.

The event also featured the groundbreaking ceremony for new residential quarters for judges of the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

Wike added that more judiciary housing projects in the FCT are scheduled for commissioning, including the Federal High Court Judges’ Quarters in Katampe.