By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered a crackdown on abandoned and poorly developed areas surrounding Jabi Lake, citing violations of the Abuja master plan.
The directive follows public reactions to a viral video in which a Christian cleric appealed to the minister to preserve the lake as a public recreational space and avoid excessive commercialisation.
Speaking during a media chat with journalists in Abuja, Wike dismissed the concerns as emotional, insisting that all actions by the FCT Administration are guided by law and urban planning regulations.
He said several plots around the lake, originally allocated for premium developments, had remained undeveloped for years and were now occupied by makeshift structures.
“They promised world-class projects, but what we see today are shanties. That is unacceptable for a capital city,” the minister said.
Wike disclosed that the administration has begun revoking affected land allocations, stressing that investors who fail to develop allocated plots within stipulated timelines would lose ownership.
“If you are not ready to develop, the government will take back the land and reallocate it to serious investors,” he stated.
The minister clarified that the enforcement drive is not intended to deny residents access to Jabi Lake, but to restore order and ensure proper use of public assets.
He also raised concerns over unauthorised changes in land use, citing instances where properties designated for recreation were converted to other purposes without approval.
“You cannot alter land use arbitrarily. We will enforce compliance with the master plan,” he warned.
Wike reiterated that the ongoing measures are aimed at improving the aesthetic and economic value of the area, while aligning development around Jabi Lake with global urban standards.
