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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the strike threat by the University of Abuja chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over the reallocation of portions of the institution’s land to private developers and government agencies.
Wike, who spoke during his monthly media chat, questioned the union’s authority to challenge land allocation decisions, insisting that land administration in the Federal Capital Territory falls under the responsibility of the FCT Administration.
He rejected allegations of land grabbing by the FCTA, arguing that trade unions have no statutory powers over land ownership and allocation.
“What is the business of ASUU on our land? How is ASUU the owner of land? Is ASUU the owner of the union in Nigeria now? Is it the union’s right?” the minister asked.
The dispute centres on land originally allocated to the university in the Giri District, which ASUU said covers 11,824 hectares and is required for the institution’s future expansion, agricultural research and infrastructure development.
However, Wike questioned the need for the university to retain such a large area of land, particularly where portions remained undeveloped.
He maintained that the FCTA was acting within its statutory responsibilities and would continue to enforce land-use regulations and the Abuja master plan.
Reacting to ASUU’s warning that it could embark on an industrial action and challenge the land allocations in court, the minister said the administration was prepared to defend its decisions through the legal process.
Wike also criticised the union’s resort to strike threats, insisting that the FCTA would not be pressured into reversing government policies.
He maintained that government institutions could not hold on to extensive land without demonstrating proper documentation, approvals and utilisation.
The dispute followed a statement by the ASUU University of Abuja chairman, Dr Sylvanus Ugoh, who warned that the union could no longer guarantee industrial harmony on campus unless the FCT minister reversed the allocations affecting the university’s land.
