Documents reportedly show GI Properties Limited received 113.19 hectares in Giri, while the FCT Minister’s media aide defends the allocations, citing Wike’s statutory powers over land administration.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has come under scrutiny following reports that approximately 291.01 hectares of land in Giri, Abuja, were allocated to eight companies and organisations through offers of statutory rights of occupancy.
According to an investigative report by Sahara Reporters, documents obtained by the publication show that the allocations cover 10 different plots in Cadastral Zone E01, Giri, with one company, GI Properties Limited, receiving the largest share of approximately 113.19 hectares.
The reported allocations have generated concerns over the administration of public land in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly amid allegations that portions of land originally allocated to the University of Abuja may have been reassigned to private interests.
The beneficiaries identified in the documents include GI Properties Limited, Salmond Wave Limited, Unicorn Oil and Gas Limited, International Energy Centre Limited, Adorable Foundation for Educational Development, Alphaseal Business Limited, Linchpin Psychological Services Limited and Total Geospatial Integrated Services Limited.
GI Properties Limited reportedly received 113.19 hectares for mixed-use comprehensive development under a 99-year lease arrangement.
Salmond Wave Limited was allocated approximately 73.22 hectares, while Unicorn Oil and Gas Limited received two separate plots measuring 28.30 hectares and 12.04 hectares, bringing its total allocation to 40.34 hectares.
International Energy Centre Limited reportedly received 20 hectares, while Adorable Foundation for Educational Development was allocated 30.57 hectares for a proposed public institution, specifically a college or university.
The foundation’s allocation attracted particular attention because the documents reportedly placed its land premium at N100 per square metre, compared with N500 per square metre charged to several other beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, Alphaseal Business Limited received two plots measuring 4.10 hectares and 4.47 hectares, designated for a shopping complex and petrol filling station, respectively.
Linchpin Psychological Services Limited and Total Geospatial Integrated Services Limited received approximately 2.54 hectares and 2.58 hectares, respectively.
The documents reportedly show that the beneficiaries were required to complete payments of prescribed rents, fees and other charges within 21 days of receiving their respective offers, failing which the allocations could lapse.
They also contain development conditions requiring beneficiaries to commence and complete construction within two years of the commencement of their rights of occupancy, subject to approved plans and specifications.
The allocations have renewed public debate over the future of the University of Abuja’s extensive landholding, following Wike’s earlier criticism of the institution for allegedly leaving substantial portions of its allocated land undeveloped.
In April 2025, the FCT Minister questioned why the university required more than 10,000 hectares of land, arguing that much of the property remained undeveloped.
Defending the latest allocations, Lere Olayinka, media aide to the FCT Minister, maintained that Wike has the constitutional authority to allocate land, revoke existing allocations and reallocate properties.
Olayinka questioned why the minister’s decision to allocate land to the identified companies should generate controversy, insisting that the action falls within his official responsibilities.
He also recalled that the minister had earlier informed the public about plans to revoke portions of the over 11,000 hectares reportedly allocated to the university.
The minister’s aide dismissed criticisms surrounding the allocations as emotional, sentimental and sensational, arguing that the university’s landholding was excessive.
However, the reported allocations have continued to raise questions about the criteria used in selecting the beneficiaries, the valuation of the properties and the circumstances surrounding the alleged transfer of portions of university land to private organisations.
The controversy has also brought renewed attention to transparency and accountability in the administration of land resources in the Federal Capital Territory.
While the FCT Administration’s position is that the minister has the authority to administer land within the territory, questions surrounding the reported allocations and their implications for the University of Abuja remain subjects of public interest.
