I Have Right To Revoke, Reallocate Land – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his controversial land revocation policy, declaring that he has the legal right to reclaim and reassign plots from individuals and entities who fail to develop them or pay their dues.

Wike made the declaration during a courtesy visit by the board of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to his office in Abuja. At the same time, the meeting’s primary focus was on the new commission.

The minister, while speaking against allegations of political victimisation, stated that his actions were strictly based on legal and regulatory grounds.

“I have never revoked land for political reasons, and I have never given revoked land to someone else unjustly. You can’t revoke land on public grounds and hand it over to another person.

“But if you fail to comply with development guidelines, don’t pay ground rent, or abandon land for years, I have the right to revoke and reassign it,” he said.

He expressed frustration at what he described as a culture of entitlement among Nigerians, where citizens demand development and services but refuse to fulfil their own obligations.

“People twist facts without even asking questions. Everyone wants roads, services, development—but nobody wants to pay.

“People generate waste in their kitchens and expect the government to pick it up for free. Everything is expected to be free. You want roads built with blood. It doesn’t work that way. We must learn to comply with simple rules,” he said.

The minister, while shifting focus to the NDDC board, warned them against the internal squabbles and financial recklessness that have plagued other intervention agencies.

He predicted that their current harmony would be shattered once significant funds were released.

“Today, you are united because there’s no project and no money yet. But the moment N50 billion drops and someone spends it without approval, fights will start,” Wike stated.

He urged total loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and a commitment to leaving a legacy of tangible development.

“Make him proud by ensuring the South-South Development Commission delivers real impact. Avoid political projects. Don’t incur unnecessary costs,” he advised.

Earlier, the managing director of the SSDC, Ms Usoro Akpabio, praised Wike and pledged the commission’s commitment to his mandate.

Akpabio revealed her personal connection to the FCT, having begun her civil service career there between 2006 and 2007.

She assured the minister that the SSDC would strengthen its liaison office in Abuja to deepen collaboration with federal agencies and ensure the South-South region remains at the forefront of policy administration and action plans.