Abuja, Nigeria – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed his determination to go beyond land allocation in his role, emphasizing that he was not appointed merely to share land but to address broader issues facing the FCT. Wike made this statement during a courtesy visit from the managing director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Gbenga Alade, and his team in Abuja on Tuesday.
Wike acknowledged the challenges faced by AMCON and pointed out that tough decisions are necessary to resolve them. Drawing from his own experience, he highlighted the difficulties he has encountered as FCT Minister but reiterated his commitment to overcoming these obstacles.
He lamented the perception that his role is primarily about land distribution, which he believes fosters corruption within the system. Wike noted that many view the FCT Minister’s primary responsibility as presiding over land allocations, neglecting other critical aspects such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
“We have a problem in land administration. That is the place where we see corruption. People think that you are coming to share land when they appoint you as FCT Minister,” Wike remarked. “That is the only thing you see here, that as the Minister of the FCT, your business is to preside over land allocation—no other job.”
He added that any attempt to make changes is met with resistance and that such efforts are often interpreted through ethnic and religious lenses. However, Wike stressed that leadership sometimes requires stepping on toes to bring about necessary reforms.
“You may not be right all the time, but you must take a decision and be firm, and that’s the only way this country can survive,” he concluded, reaffirming his resolve to take decisive action in his capacity as minister.