Wike defends FCT Land reforms as investor safeguard amid elite backlash

• expresses confidence in APC victory in area council elections

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Minister of Federal of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike on Monday pushed back against criticism of his administration’s land reforms, insisting they strictly follow the law to protect investors, even if they ruffle elite feathers—while touting broader gains in infrastructure, business climate, and rural development ahead of Area Council elections.

Speaking at his end-of-year media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Wike framed the reforms as part of a holistic push to elevate living standards across Abuja through roads, schools, and healthcare upgrades.

“Today you can go to work because the roads have been opened up. We are also renovating schools and improving the learning environment. We have awarded not less than 200 contracts to improve our schools. Similarly, we are renovating health facilities to provide high-quality medical infrastructure,” he said.

“You cannot say this government is not doing anything to improve education and health… If you are staying in the FCT, you can see the improvement. If you don’t have a good road, that affects your life,” Wike added.

The minister linked these efforts to the FCT’s top-five “Ease of Doing Business” ranking, crediting security and infrastructure—including land policies—that keep businesses rooted.

“We are creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Abuja is doing well because certain parameters—security and infrastructure—are being met. If you don’t have a safe environment and a good road network, businesses will run away,” he stated.

Wike expressed confidence in an APC victory in upcoming Area Council polls, arguing voters will reward development that reaches rural areas, not just the city center.

“You support candidates based on what your party has been able to do. Today, I have a reason to say vote for this Area Council Chairman based on their performance. Whether you like President Tinubu or not, the issue is: what has he done to change the FCT? Today, the rural areas are seeing the impact of government,” he remarked.
In Rivers State, Wike called for executive-legislative synergy to advance President Tinubu’s agenda, announcing a local government tour to build alliances.