A recent investigative report has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of allocating valuable plots of land in Abuja to members of his family and close associates, raising concerns about the abuse of office and his growing political influence within President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to documents cited by Peoples Gazette, Mr Wike reportedly convened a meeting with top officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on July 4, 2025 — days after the outlet published a report on his alleged misuse of land allocation powers. At the meeting, he allegedly expanded the list of beneficiaries for fast-tracked land approvals to include more relatives and long-time associates.
“He was visibly upset that the media was focusing on his children’s land allocations,” an official reportedly told the publication. “So he decided to enlarge the list to include others close to him.”
By July 16, just two weeks after the report’s publication, Wike allegedly signed off on 33 land approvals for individuals said to be family members and friends, with all beneficiaries reportedly from his home state, Rivers. Among them was his father, Mr Joshua Nlemanya Wike, who was allocated over 1,000 square metres in the upscale Guzape II area, valued at approximately ₦400 million.
Earlier allocations traced back to April 2025 showed that six other family members had also received land in Guzape II, including individuals identified as Wike’s brothers and cousins. Officials familiar with the process alleged that many of these allocations were granted based on verbal instructions from the minister, bypassing standard procedures such as the payment of statutory charges.
“He runs the ministry like someone who doesn’t expect to ever be held accountable,” one official was quoted as saying. “He just doesn’t see a scenario where he will have to explain his actions.”
The report also claims that Wike has repeatedly boasted about his role in President Tinubu’s 2023 electoral victory, allegedly saying that his contribution gives him leverage that shields him from repercussions. While Wike has publicly denied manipulating election results in Rivers State, he reportedly maintains that his political and financial influence is crucial to Tinubu’s prospects for re-election in 2027.
Despite growing unease among senior officials over Wike’s conduct, the report says efforts to hold him accountable have stalled. A presidential panel allegedly set up to investigate the land allocations had not summoned the minister as of three weeks after its formation.
“The president is torn,” one senior aide reportedly said. “Sacking Wike may slightly improve public perception, but keeping him could guarantee funding and mobilisation for 2027.”
The Nigerian Constitution, under the Fifth Schedule (Part I), forbids public officials from using their office to unjustly enrich themselves or their family, and prescribes sanctions that include removal and prosecution. Critics warn that failure to act on the allegations could implicate the president in constitutional violations.
Anti-corruption groups, including the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), have submitted formal petitions to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), calling the alleged land allocations “a reckless abuse of office.”
Both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and ICPC are said to be monitoring the developments, but have reportedly held off on investigations pending presidential approval — a requirement when probing serving cabinet members.
The presidency has not officially responded to the allegations. While presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga redirected questions to the FCT Ministry, Mr Wike’s media aides declined to comment. However, Wike has previously denied wrongdoing and claimed that allocating land to relatives does not violate any Nigerian laws.
The situation continues to draw scrutiny from civil society groups and policy observers, who fear it could undermine the credibility of President Tinubu’s anti-corruption commitments and further erode public trust in government institutions.
