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By Ayox Ojo
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the strike threat issued by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over reallocation of portions of University of Abuja (UniAbuja) land to private developers and government agencies.
The UniAbuja chapter of ASUU had at a recent press conference addressed by its Chairman, Dr. Sylvanus Ugoh opposed the reallocation of the land.
The Union also warned that it cannot longer guarantee industrial harmony on campus if Wike failed to reverse allocations made out of the institution’s designated land parcel in the Giri District.
ASUU argued that the 11,824 hectares originally allocated were vital for the long-term expansion, agricultural research, and infrastructure needs of the federal institution.
But reacting to the strike threat during his monthly media chat in Port Harcourt city on Thursday, Wike questioned ASUU’s locus standi on statutory land allocation matters.
The Minister asserted that trade unions have no mandate or authority over land administration in the nation’s capital.
Wike also rejected the union’s claims of land grabbing.
He argued that land ownership and master plan enforcement fall strictly under the jurisdiction of the FCT Administration (FCTA).
“What is the business of ASUU on our land? How is ASUU the owner of land? Is ASUU the owner of the union in Nigeria now? Is it the union’s right?” Wike questioned.
Addressing the dispute over the university’s expanse of land—which reportedly spans over 11,000 hectares, the Minister questioned the practicality of a single university holding onto vast tracts of undeveloped land while blocking capital development.
He emphasized that the FCTA’s actions represent a lawful continuum of government policy and urban planning.
Referencing ASUU’s declaration that it would go on strike and challenge the FCTA’s decision in court, Wike stated that the administration remains unfazed by threats of legal action or industrial paralysis.
Wike maintained that if the union chooses to seek judicial redress, the FCTA is fully prepared to defend its constitutional rights and statutory duties.
The Minister chided the union leadership for using strike threats as leverage, urging them to respect public service procedures and refrain from blackmailing the administration.
Wike reaffirmed that government decisions regarding unused land recovery would proceed, noting that federal institutions cannot arbitrarily fence off thousands of hectares without proper documentation, approvals, and utilization.
The Minister reiterated that the FCTA will not yield to blackmail, maintaining that all land allocations within the FCT remain under the regulatory oversight of his office.
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