The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is Nigeria’s political hub, attracting intense scrutiny and attention from various stakeholders. As the seat of the federal government, the FCT is a high-stakes environment where every decision counts.
Since assuming office in August 2023, Minister Nyesom Wike has been driving a reform agenda, focusing on optimal land utilization within the capital.
Wike’s reforms have prioritized the public good, even if it means ruffling the feathers of Nigeria’s elite. He has expressed concerns about land management, particularly allocations and reallocations to various individuals. .
Some of the key decisions and events that shaped the FCT in 2024 include the revocation of high-profile land titles, the revival of the Abuja Light Rail, and protests against rising economic hardship.
Demolition Frenzy Hits FCT: Officials Target Illegally Constructed Properties
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike sparked controversy with a massive demolition of houses in Abuja’s Nuwalege village in January. This move paved the way for the expansion of the presidential fleet area and the Nigerian Air Force’s land near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Wike’s demolition campaign continued in March 2024, when a multi-billion naira property owned by Anambra billionaire Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and his brother, Linus Ukachukwu, was razed.
The property, located in Abuja’s prestigious Asokoro area, spanned 215 hectares of land. Linus Ukachukwu alleged that the demolition was carried out in bad faith, without prior notice or revocation order, despite the owners having necessary title documents and building permits.
The Ukachukwu brothers claimed to have invested billions of naira in the project, with buildings at lintel level before demolition.
Linus Ukachukwu appealed to President Tinubu to investigate why the minister proceeded with the demolition despite two court orders against it.
The Home Builders Association of Nigeria also accused Wike of unlawfully demolishing 100 properties valued at over N200 billion in Abuja’s Sabon Lugbe area without a court order and despite the owners having all necessary title documents and building permits.
The demolition, HBAN said, left hundreds of residents displaced and homeless while developers alleged that Wike’s actions may be motivated by a desire to re-allocate the lands to other developers.
At a press conference held at the Federal High Court Complex, Mr. Kalu Kalu, the lawyer representing the association, publicly accused the minister of abuse of power.
Kalu insisted that the affected developers possess all the necessary title documents for Sabon Lugbe and had obtained permits from the Development Control Department of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) before embarking construction.
He described the demolitions as illegal, pointing out that the area is currently under litigation.
Furthermore the Minster on November 4 demolished houses in the Ruga settlement along Airport Road in Lugbe, Abuja, throwing inhabitants, including women and their children, in alfresco (in the open) without alternative shelters.
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju also led a protest on Friday, November 8 over the demolition.
Specifically, the protesters condemned the heavy-handed and oppressive methods used by the task force in carrying out the exercise, advocating a more humane approach.
Reacting to the outcry against the activities of the task force, the minister said his administration will not be deterred by civil society organizations and activists’ blackmail, who called for the stoppage of the demolition of houses in the FCT.
He said despite potential blackmail, intimidation, or abuse, his team remains committed to carrying out their duties.
Reacting to the incessant complaints on the demolitions, the Senate on December 12, directed Wike to suspend further demolition of structures in Abuja, pending the outcome of its investigation into the matter.
The decision comes after the Senate constituted an ad-hoc committee to probe the demolitions, which have left many residents homeless.
The committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Sen. Jibrin Barau, was given two weeks to submit its findings.
Crack Down on “One-Chance” Cab Robbery Syndicates
The notorious “one chance cab robberies” that originated in Lagos have unfortunately become a common occurrence in the capital city.
These cab robbers prey on unsuspecting passengers, especially women, by posing as legitimate taxi drivers or passengers. Once they have gained their victims’ trust, they attack and rob them, often using tactics like winding up windows, using powdery substances to incapacitate, and threatening them with weapons.
Hotspots for these crimes include Arab Junction in Kubwa, Charly Boy junction, and Berger Junction.
To combat this issue, the FCT Police Command launched a series of raids on notorious hotspots and black spots in Durumi and Dei-Dei, Abuja. These raids resulted in the arrest of 85 suspects on April 8, 2024, and over 300 suspects on May 23, 2024.
The police also seized counterfeit currencies, drugs, and weapons during these operations.
In addition to these efforts, the minister formed a task force called “Operation Sweep” to demolish illegal settlements across the city. This move aims to reduce the hiding spots and operational bases of these criminals. The government is also working to improve the public transportation system, with plans to introduce new buses and taxis to make commuting safer for residents.
Informal settlements, commonly found in areas like Ruga village, have been identified as hotspots for illicit activities. These areas are often associated with high levels of crime, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and drug trafficking, posing a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies.
The #EndBadGovernance protests
The #EndBadGovernance protests in Abuja took a deadly turn on August 1, 2024, as security forces clashed with demonstrators, resulting in the death of at least one protester.
The protests, which began peacefully, were part of a nationwide movement demanding an end to economic hardships and bad governance in Nigeria.
Protesters had assembled at Eagle Square in Abuja but were met with tear gas and live bullets when they attempted to march on a main road leading into the city centre.
A photojournalist, Jide Oyekunle, was arrested and detained by police while reporting on the protests.
Despite the deployment of a police helicopter to scare protesters, they defied the order and continued their demonstrations.
The protests culminated in a ‘One-Million-Man March’ on August 10, with protesters taking to the streets in Abuja to demand change.
The Nigerian government faced criticism for its handling of the protests, with many calling for an end to the violence and for the government to address the economic hardships and governance issues that sparked the protests.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, condemned the use of force against protesters and called for due process and the release of detained protesters.
Construction of Abuja Bus Terminal Project
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, launched the construction of a modern bus and taxi terminal in Abuja’s Central Business District in August, marking the third terminal project under his administration.
The project is the third terminal to be launched under Wike’s administration, following the successful flag-off of the Mabushi and Kugbo terminals in July.
The new terminal aims to enhance the safety and convenience of commuters in Abuja.
It featured modern facilities, including cinemas, restaurants, and recreational areas, providing an enjoyable experience for passengers.
During the inauguration ceremony at Eagles Square, Wike emphasized the importance of integrating transportation systems to reduce criminal activities, such as “one-chance” robberies, commonly associated with transportation in Abuja.
The terminals, he said, will serve as hubs for President Bola Tinubu’s promised Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for the residents.
He assured that the project will be completed within the coming year and expressed gratitude for President Bola Tinubu’s support.
This development is part of the FCT Administration’s efforts to modernize transportation infrastructure in Abuja, with the goal of creating a more efficient, secure, and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors alike.
FCT Minister’s 40 Housing Units For Judges
The territory minister announced on October 21, 2024, that the ownership of a plot of land in Katampe District, previously held by Julius Berger, had been revoked.
The plot will be re-allocated for the construction of 40 housing units for judges, specifically those serving in the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, and FCT High Court.
Wike revealed that 70% of the project’s budget, covering furnishing, has been allocated, with an expected completion timeline of 15 months. This initiative aims to enhance the welfare of judicial officers in Nigeria, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
However, the decision has sparked intense debate on social media, with critics arguing that such moves could compromise judicial independence and impartiality.
Some experts, like Chidi Odinkalu, a professor of law, have expressed strong objections to the project, citing the Nigerian Judicial Code of Conduct.
Others, like Kalu Aja, a financial analyst, have characterized the move as potentially arising from questionable circumstances. Despite the backlash, Wike remains unfazed, stating that he obtained presidential and National Assembly approval for the project.
Reacting, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) is urging President Tinubu to put a stop to the practice of giving cars and houses to judges, specifically targeting Wike and the 36 state governors. According to SERAP, this practice undermines the authority of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and court heads.
Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP’s Deputy Director, issued a statement warning that they may take legal action to ensure compliance with their request, which they believe serves the public interest.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has also condemned this move, labeling it a blatant attempt by the executive to exert control over the judiciary.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, called on the National Assembly to pass a legislation that prohibits judges from receiving such perks from the executive, emphasizing the importance of protecting judicial independence to uphold the rule of law in Nigeria.
Distribution of 80 Vehicles To FCT Youths
As part of efforts toward empowering youths in Abuja, Wike also distributed 80 vehicles to some youths on October 31, 2024.
This initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme, aimed at creating job opportunities and reducing transportation costs in the territory.
The programme was launched to empower youths financially and provide them with a means of livelihood.
The vehicles, comprising 30 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), 30 7-seater Suzuki Minibuses, and 20 14-seater Hiace buses, will be used as a pilot transportation scheme in Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape before expanding to other areas.
Notably, the brand-new vehicles, painted in FCT colors, were given to the first set of beneficiaries free of charge, on the condition that they charge lower transport fees from residents.
The gesture is not only to benefit the youths but to also provide affordable transportation options for the community.
Wike emphasized that the programme is part of the FCT Administration’s efforts to empower and develop youths, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the territory’s development while thanking President Tinubu for his overwhelming support for the FCT Administration.
FCT Receives Free CNG Buses
To ease the burden of fuel subsidy removal, the Federal Government has launched a free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus service in Abuja. This initiative aims to reduce transportation costs and promote affordable, environmentally friendly transportation in the Federal Capital Territory.
As part of this effort, the government handed over 15 CNG-powered buses to three major transport unions in Abuja: the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
These buses began operating on December 2, 2024, along major routes, connecting suburban areas like Mararaba to central hubs such as Eagles Square and the Berger bus stop.
The free bus service is initially set to run for 40 days, concluding on January 6, 2025. Commuters have already expressed gratitude for the government’s initiative, with some hoping that the service will continue beyond the initial period.
FCT Police Ban Cars With Tinted Glasses, Covered Number Plates
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command announced a clampdown on vehicles with tinted windows and covered number plates as part of efforts to curb rising criminal activities such as kidnapping.
In a statement posted on X.com on December 3, the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, warned vehicle owners in the FCT to remove any tinted glass from their vehicles or face the risk of having their cars impounded.
She wrote: “For now, the use of tinted glasses on vehicles is prohibited.
“If your vehicle has tinted glasses, kindly remove them to avoid having your vehicle impounded by the police.
“This is one of the measures implemented to combat the rising incidents of ‘one chance’ and other criminal activities in the FCT.”
Acting swiftly on the directive, the command impounded no fewer than 296 vehicles just a few days later.
Following a backlash, the House of Representatives intervened, directing the FCT Police to suspend the vehicle impoundment operation with immediate effect.
Wike Donates 50 Vehicles to FCT Security Agencies
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, donated 50 operational vehicles to security agencies in Abuja on Thursday, December 12, to boost their capacity to combat crime and improve security in the nation’s capital.
While handing over the vehicles, Wike urged the security agencies to take proactive measures against criminals, seeking them out in their hideouts across the FCT.
The minister urged the security agencies not to give the criminal space or allow them to strike before they go after them.
He said that so far, the FCT Administration had donated 100 operational vehicles to security agencies, with 50 of the vehicles earlier distributed in July.
Wike boasted that there was significant improvement in the security situation in the territory following a series of interventions by the current administration.
He revealed that the FCT Administration is currently constructing 12 Police Divisional Offices across the six area councils.
These offices are expected to be completed, furnished, and handed over to the police by April 2025.
This, according to him, is part of FCTA’s support to enhance security in the city centre and the satellite towns.
C-of-O Revocation
In a bold move to enforce compliance with the Land Use Act of 1978, Wike revoked the land titles of 762 individuals and corporate entities, including prominent figures like former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, on Thursday, December 19.
The revocation was due to non-payment of statutory fees for Certificates of Occupancy in Abuja’s Maitama District.
The Minister aims to recover approximately N30 billion from the defaulters. Breakdown of the Debt:
– _Total Amount Owed_: N30 billion
– _Defaulters Who Haven’t Paid_: 762 individuals and entities, owing N22.8 billion
– _Allottees with Outstanding Payments_: 614 individuals and entities, owing N11.6 billion
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) also issued public notices to the defaulters, emphasizing the need for payment to avoid further action.
According to the public notices issued by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), while the 762 defaulters who have not paid at all are expected to pay a total of N22.8 billion, another N11.6 billion is being expected from 614 allottees who have yet to make full payments for the Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) for the plots of land allocated to them in the district.
The 614 allottees have so far paid only N3.1 billion out of N11 billion demanded by the Abuja administration.
Top in the category of those who have not paid are Quality Real Estate Investment Limited (N5.9bn); Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation (N1.2bn), B.M.O Real Estate & Construction Company (N709m), Bil & Labily Limited (634m), Jordan Farms & Estate Limited (N298m), Hyperstation Limited (N281m), and Emirate Luxury Suite Limited (139m).
Others are Laibola International Company Limited (168m), City International Dimensions Construction Limited (43m), Pen Assignment Nig Limited (N65m), Sure Delivery Nigeria Limited (N53m), Diamond Global Exchange and Investment Ltd (N81m), Cask Nigeria Limited (N111m), T-Brama Nigeria Limited (N109m) and Earth Conscience Limited (N107m).
Top on the list of those with outstanding payments are the Cristom Integrated Technologies and Investment (N210m), NFIU Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited (N298m), Ajmaya Nigeria Limited (N140m), Nene Oil Limited (N115m), Maisage & Co Limited (N114m), Ashview Nigeria Limited (N102m), Dana Global Ventures (N76m) and Godab Nigeria Limited (N58m).
The action comes on the heels of an October ultimatum, which gave landowners in Maitama District, Abuja, a deadline to settle outstanding fees for Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O), warning that failure to comply would result in the revocation of land rights.
In line with Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1979, the minister has the power to revoke statutory rights of occupancy for non-compliance with the terms of allocation.
Also, under Subsection 5, breaches such as failure to pay statutory fees or develop allocated land can result in revocation.
Persecondnews projects that the combined efforts of the FCT administration and the police command are expected to significantly enhance the quality of life for residents in 2025. These proactive initiatives promise to provide effective security, safeguarding lives and properties, and offering a renewed sense of safety and well-being.
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