From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to end land speculation in the capital territory, declaring, “the pattern has changed, we will not accept speculation.”
He stated this when he presided over the signing of a development agreement with MAG International Links Limited to deliver the ambitious City Walk Abuja project yesterday.
Speaking with determination and candour, he drew a sharp line against past patterns of land misuse in the territory and set forth new standards of accountability and transparency.
He traced the journey leading to the agreement, lauding President Bola Tinubu’s enabling environment for investment and the support of the FCT administration. “With the enabling environment provided by Mr. President, and with the support of the FCT administration, we were approached that they would want to partner with us for development in Abuja, and try to build the Abuja City Walk the way we have it in Dubai.”
Wike did not mince words about past disappointments: “The first day they came here, I made it clear to them that I have heard of people interested in the development, and they asked for land. At the end of the day, you have this investment or development, they turned to land speculators, and this time around, we are not going to accept that.”
He described heightened scrutiny and direct involvement in the allocation process: “So I invited the Director of Land, the Director of Survey, the Director of Development Control, the Director of Urban and Regional Planning, for us to go to the area they are talking about. And we have agreed in that meeting that there will be timelines where you have to say that from today to the next time, you have done this.”
Recalling decades of stymied development, the Minister declared, “For the past 20 years, nothing has happened. Therefore, I would not like to lose this opportunity that we have seen investors who really want to invest and develop. If anybody has gone to Dubai and has seen the Dubai City Walk, there is no way you will not appreciate and encourage investors to please come.”
He highlighted the new approach, saying investors must act or risk sanctions.
“We have to sign an agreement that if you don’t comply within so-so and so-so time, then we have the right to revoke. Because we are not going to go and give you a C-of-O to say we are giving you land, and then nothing happens. We would not accept that today.”
He assured partners and the public alike of direct oversight to dispel bureaucratic delays: “Again, there would be no bureaucracy. Sometimes, people will submit their development plans. Of course, you know what happens when it goes to the Secretariat. It’s one excuse or the other. So, with me being in charge, that would not happen. There will be nothing like development plans excuse. Today, we will hand over the C-of-O, sign the agreement and they must hit the ground running. We have to see that they are serious, and I’ve seen that they are very, very serious.”
He detailed tight timelines, saying, “From now till May next year, which will be the third anniversary of Mr. President, one aspect of it will be completed for Mr. President to commission. From now till August, the foundation must be laid.”
He highlighted wider significance, tying the project to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and the promise of local employment, saying, “The very essence of the renewed hope agenda is not only to bring investors, but also to create employment for our people. And I did direct that I was going to chair this so that they will know the seriousness we attach to this.”
He assured the developers of the government’s backing: “We are going to give them all the necessary support, all the necessary support that they require, because that’s what Mr. President wants. He has done well to encourage investors, to give them hope that Nigeria is ready to receive investors for the development.”
Executive Director of MAG International Links Limited, Kassim Gidado, expressed his company’s commitment and pride in the project, saying, “We consider the Abuja City Walk to be a major flagship for us as a group because we are in excess of about 35 different countries around the world. We make sure that wherever we go, we follow your footsteps in terms of your emphasis on establishing quality. We have seen what Abuja has transformed into in the last few years.”
He drew parallels to global developments: “It is not different from what happened in London when the Canary Wharf was developed. Your Excellency, that particular region, that particular part of London was the worst part of London we can find, stricken by massive crime and all sorts of things. But today, Canary Wharf is the most expensive meter square you can find in the world. That didn’t take place only by the private sector. It is a partnership.”
Gidado concluded with a resounding promise: “Our company is purely a Nigerian company that is operating in different parts of the world. The primary investors in the group are mainly Nigerian. So, we are 100 percent Nigerian, and we align with the legal agenda of Mr. President. And, sir, we are going to be behind you as you lead us to develop this project. We give you that commitment and guarantee that we are going to do it.”
City Walk Abuja, designed by MAG International Links Limited, is planned as a 200-hectare, world-class urban destination featuring residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, institutional and healthcare facilities; a bold blend of elegance, sustainability and economic value, inspired by Dubai’s celebrated City Walk.
The post Wike vows to end land speculation as FCTA, firm sign landmark city walk Abuja pact appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
