The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has hit back at critics on the allocation of land to diplomatic personnel, accusing them of hypocrisy for questioning policies from which they previously benefited.
In a response to recent criticisms that the government is prioritising foreign diplomats over “ordinary” Nigerians, Wike stated that land allocation is a standard government procedure designed to drive investment and urban development.
Addressing journalists during a project inspection in Abuja on Thursday, May 7, Wike emphasised that media houses operate as profit-driven businesses rather than charitable organisations.
He noted that media organisations charge for adverts, live coverage, and commercial news to fund their operations and salaries.
The minister specifically named major media outlets, such as Channels TV and AIT, stating they currently operate from headquarters built on land allocated by the FCT government rather than purchased from the open market.
Wike said: “When you are living in a glass house, don’t throw stones.
“You were given land, and you are not among the poor, so why are you complaining now?”
The minister also dispelled misconceptions regarding the “sale” of land in the FCT, clarifying that the government allocates land based on developmental agreements.
He said: “The FCT does not sell land; it allocates it based on specific conditions and investment proposals.
”All allottees, including diplomats, are required to pay procedural fees for the processing of their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).”
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Wike noted that many of the allocations being questioned were made by previous administrations, as the government is a continuous entity.
Wike warned that land allocated for development must be used as agreed.
He cited the case of Jabi Lake where land allocated 20 years ago for entertainment and tourism hubs remained undeveloped and was reclaimed by the government for new investors.
Wike dismissed the “emotional” arguments that land should only go to the poor, stating that high-value areas require significant investment to transform into world-class facilities and tourist attractions.
He vowed to “always stand by the truth,” maintaining that his administration would prioritise realistic urban development and investment over playing to the gallery.
