Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has strongly defended his children’s right to own land in Nigeria, insisting that they are entitled to such privileges as Nigerian citizens.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, July 3, 2025, Wike responded to reports alleging that he allocated thousands of hectares of land to his sons under questionable circumstances.
“Assuming, though not conceding, that my children applied for land — are they not citizens? Are they Ghanaians? Even if they applied, are they not entitled because I’m a minister?” Wike asked rhetorically.
Wike Denies Allocating Land to His Sons
The controversy began after reports claimed Wike approved a massive land allocation—spanning 2,082 hectares (approximately 40,000 plots)—to his son, Joaquin Wike. The reports cited unnamed officials who alleged that the allocations were part of a broader pattern of abuse of office.
Further claims suggested that another of Wike’s sons also benefited from land allocations in the FCT.
However, the FCT Minister categorically denied the allegations, stating that no such land was ever approved for his children, particularly in prime areas like Maitama and Asokoro.
“First, calculate land in Maitama and Asokoro and tell me where you’d get 2,000 hectares of land,” Wike said, challenging the feasibility of the accusations.
