A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has called for an investigation into alleged irregular land allocations, public asset conversions, and transparency violations linked to the administration of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The groups urged anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, to examine issues surrounding land conversions, the redevelopment of Jabi Lake Park, and alleged non-compliance with the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
In a joint statement, the coalition accused the FCT Administration of failing to provide adequate transparency on several controversial land transactions involving public-use assets in Abuja.
The CSOs questioned the reported February 13, 2026 MoU between the FCT Administration and Suburban Broadband Limited and Akida Hills Limited for the redevelopment of Jabi Lake Park, a public recreational facility that has served residents for nearly two decades.
According to the coalition, there is no publicly available evidence of a competitive bidding process, concession framework, or environmental approvals connected to the project.
The groups also raised concerns over the suitability of the companies selected for the redevelopment, noting that Suburban Broadband operates mainly in telecommunications, while Akida Hills Limited has no publicly verifiable record in tourism or waterfront development.
The statement referenced a pre-action notice reportedly filed by Masalaha Law & Associates on behalf of the Innovation for Empowerment and Sustainable Peace (IESP) Initiative and concerned residents, alleging that key public documents were withheld while development activities proceeded without proper authorisation.
The coalition further alleged that several plots originally designated for public infrastructure under Abuja’s master plan had been converted to private use without public explanation.
Among the cases cited was Plot 546 in Wuye District, reportedly reserved for a hospital but allegedly allocated to Full Moon Estate Developer Ltd. for residential development.
The CSOs also pointed to the reported conversion of land designated for a railway station to NY New Construction Limited, describing the pattern as a threat to transparency and urban planning standards.
The Nigerian Association of Town Planners was also referenced as raising concerns over the conversion of green areas, warning that such developments could worsen flooding and undermine Abuja’s environmental sustainability.
On transparency, the coalition accused the FCT Administration of repeatedly failing to comply with requests made under the Freedom of Information Act.
The groups said public institutions are legally required to respond to FOI requests within seven days, adding that several requests directed at the FCT Administration allegedly remain unanswered.
The statement also referenced allegations that land allocations and financial benefits may have been extended to some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, raising concerns about public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The coalition called on the FCT Minister to publish all planning approvals, environmental impact assessments, MoU documents, and Certificates of Occupancy linked to the Jabi Lake project, as well as details of land allocations made to public officials and federal agencies since August 2023.
The groups also urged the National Assembly of Nigeria to exercise oversight over FCT procurement processes, land allocations, and budget implementation.
“Transparency is not a favour. It is a constitutional obligation. Accountability is not optional; it is the price of public office,” the statement said.
“The FCT is not a personal fiefdom. It is a public trust held on behalf of millions of Nigerians.”
The statement was signed by several organisations, including BudgIT Foundation, Media Rights Agenda, Public and Private Development Centre, and Policy Alert.
