By Esther Ososanya
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused the University of Abuja of encroaching on 11,000 hectares of land in Gishiri, Abuja. He warned that no institution has the right to take over public land without proper documentation.
Speaking on Monday at the commissioning of newly built access roads in Gishiri District, Wike said he halted the encroachment.
He directed officials to approve only 4,000 hectares for the university, reclaiming the remaining 7,000 hectares for other uses.
According to him, the University of Abuja began fencing vast portions of land without any approval from the FCT Administration, describing the action as illegal and unacceptable.
“This road has helped us stop the land grabbing by the university,” Wike said. “They grabbed 11,000 hectares without a single document, All we saw was fencing everywhere. I said it would not happen.”
Wike Orders Formal Allocation of 4,000 Hectares
Wike said he instructed the Director of Lands and other relevant departments to carve out only 4,000 hectares for the institution. The rest of the land, he noted, will support infrastructure development.
“We’re going to provide roads here,” he explained. “You can’t just wake up and start fencing land you’ve not been allocated. That’s not how government works.”
Gishiri to Host Major Institutions
The minister noted that the new road network is part of efforts to open up Gishiri for institutional development.
He confirmed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will build its academy in the district.
Wike said: “This district will host major institutions; as the executive secretary pointed out, it will include the university, EFCC academy, and several others meant to be here.”
FCT Ready to Partner with National Assembly
He also invited the National Assembly to establish its own institution in Gishiri, promising full cooperation from the FCT Administration.
he said: “This district is important and will attract many investors. You can already see how beautiful it looks. Gishiri must be developed like other key districts.”
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
