How developer left Jabi Lake park undeveloped for 20 years – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that the government revoked the allocation of Jabi Lake Park because the developer failed to develop the site for about 20 years.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Wike said the action is part of the FCT Administration’s efforts to recover abandoned public assets and stop the misuse of parks, gardens, and other public spaces.

According to him, the government can no longer allow individuals or companies to hold valuable public land for years without carrying out any development.

Wike said he personally visited Jabi Lake Park and was shocked by its condition. He noted that the area had become filled with shanties and informal businesses, while the lakefront remained poorly maintained.

He explained that the land had originally been allocated to a company known as Suburban about two decades ago but remained largely undeveloped throughout that period.

The minister said he immediately directed officials to revoke the allocation after seeing the level of neglect.

According to Wike, shortly after the revocation was announced, representatives of the company began reaching out to government officials, claiming they had finally secured funding for the project.

He said he asked the company to provide evidence of the funding and demonstrate its readiness to begin work. He added that any future development would be closely monitored by the Development Control Department to ensure compliance with approved plans.
Wike also announced that the FCT Administration would begin enforcing stricter conditions on land allocations. Under the new approach, developers will be required to complete projects within specified timelines or risk losing the land.

The minister further disclosed that the administration has started reclaiming parks and gardens across Abuja after discovering widespread irregularities in their allocation and management.

He alleged that many operators were using documents that lacked proper approval and had converted recreational spaces into residential buildings, hotels, restaurants, and other commercial businesses.

According to him, several areas originally designated for public recreation have been turned into profit-making ventures, contrary to the purpose for which they were allocated.
Wike revealed that the FCT Administration is currently handling more than 2,000 land-related disputes, with around 1,500 involving parks and gardens.

He blamed the situation on collaboration between some government officials and private individuals, saying the administration would no longer tolerate informal or unauthorized land allocations.

The minister defended the revocation of undeveloped plots across Abuja, insisting that the government was acting in the public interest.

He dismissed allegations of land grabbing, stating that the affected landowners had failed to meet the conditions attached to their allocations.
Wike stressed that any land allocated for development must be put to use within the agreed period.

Otherwise, he said, the property would be returned to the government so it can be used for projects that benefit residents and support Abuja’s development.