Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has explained the reason behind the revocation of land belonging to the University of Abuja and the Abuja Technology Village.

Speaking during his monthly media chat with select journalists, the Minister said that the lands for these institutions were revoked out of necessity.

According to the Minister, this act would pave the way for the construction of the ambitious Abuja City Walk project, which is modelled after the renowned Dubai City Walk.

He also stated that after 20 years, investors had failed to develop the sites according to the agreements they had made with the government on the projects.

Also denying allegations of land-grabbing, Wike said the FCT Administration has continued to provide infrastructure to these institutions for the past decades without a single financial gain.

“The FCTA provided the infrastructure for more than 20 years, and nothing has been done. If you go there, they have rented out the place.

“You will see where NNPC tankers are parked, and they collect money. So many people are now claiming to have C of Os. I said okay, I must resolve this problem. There is nothing called Abuja Technology Village,” Wike said.

The minister further stated that the FCTA is planning on a policy shift that could address the issue of holding unutilised lands without development within the stipulated time.

“Land not developed within the stipulated period will revert to the FCTA,” he added.