Channels TV rejects Wike’s claim over Abuja headquarters land

Channels Television has dismissed claims made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, regarding the ownership and allocation of the land housing its headquarters in Abuja.

Wike, during a media chat on Wednesday, questioned how the television station acquired the property located in the Guzape area of the Federal Capital Territory, arguing that the land was government property allocated to the media organisation.

“The land that you built Channels on is public land,” the minister said.

“You are making money out of the public property. Did you buy it? No. It was allocated to you.”

He also defended payments made for the live broadcast of the media chat, insisting that media organisations do not provide such services free of charge.

Responding during its broadcast on Thursday, Channels Television described the minister’s comments as inaccurate, stating that the land was legally allocated to the company for commercial purposes on March 6, 2007, by the then FCT administration.

The station added that all statutory fees and charges connected to the property had been fully paid.

“It is not correct. The property which houses our national headquarters in the Guzape area of Abuja was allocated to CTV on March 6, 2007, for commercial purposes by the then FCT minister,” the station said.

“We can confirm that all required fees and charges were fully paid.”

The broadcaster also defended the payments received for airing the minister’s media chat, explaining that live broadcasts require significant technical and operational resources, including outside broadcasting vans, technical crews and dedicated airtime.

According to the station, charging for such services is standard practice in the media industry.

“Our fees are out there. We are a news and broadcast media organisation. So, if you are going to lock down one, two, or three hours of airtime, of course you will pay,” the statement added.

Channels Television further stated that it would continue to uphold its editorial independence and maintain the credibility it has built over the years through objective journalism and public accountability.

The station also urged the FCT minister to provide clarification regarding allegations involving land allocations to journalists, stressing that all legitimate fees attached to such allocations should be paid accordingly.