Reports from a major online news outlet claimed that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, approved 2,082 hectares of prime Abuja land—worth $3.6 billion—for his son’s company, JOAQ Farms and Estates Ltd. According to the story, Wike bypassed civil service protocols and directly issued Certificates of Occupancy for lands in Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape, Gaduwa, and Bwari, all since taking office in August 2023. Furthermore, it suggested that these certificates skirted payment of ground rent and survey fees, and allegedly included land reclaimed from private citizens and even diplomatic missions, such as the Austrian Embassy.

Minister’s Office Responds with Denial

In a statement released on Thursday, Minister Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, dismissed the report as an act of “blackmail.” He emphasized that while it remains legal for Wike’s family to acquire land in the FCT, no land had been granted to any of his children. Olayinka clarified that JOAQ Farms did receive land—but strictly for agricultural purposes in Bwari Area Council, not in upscale districts like Maitama or Asokoro.

Company’s Registration and Land Allocation Timeline

JOAQ Farms joined Nigeria’s corporate registry on October 10, 2024. Just a week later, Minister Wike allegedly assigned 350 hectares to the company via file number 155882. Subsequently, on February 25, 2025, six additional Certificates of Occupancy (Nos. 159134–159140) were reportedly issued, bringing the total to over 1,500 hectares across the FCT. The contested file, 159135, is among those said to belong to the firm.

Diplomatic Tension and Agricultural Defense

The initial report claimed that some land had been seized from diplomatic missions, with special attention given to a parcel allegedly taken from the Austrian Embassy. In reply, Olayinka did not address the diplomatic claim directly but reiterated that any land awarded to JOAQ Farms serves only agricultural development in Bwari.

“Asking what’s wrong with giving a farmer land for farming seems fair,” he stated, urging the public to reject the broader accusations.

Minister Faces Public Scrutiny

Despite Wike’s rejection of the allegations, the controversy continues to draw public anger—especially amid revelations that several FCT departments, including water services, environmental protection, and broadcasting, are struggling to pay staff salaries.

Critics argue the scandal underscores a troubling contradiction: while vital public services under Wike’s watch face operational challenges, his family allegedly reaps enormous land gains. Meanwhile, some suspect that the supposed agricultural allocations might serve as a façade to facilitate fast-tracked land grabs in Abuja’s most valuable districts.

What Comes Next

With official documents allegedly supporting both claims, the next steps will involve deeper scrutiny. Investigators may analyze:

• FCT land registry records and allocation processes

• Purposes stated in JOAQ Farms’ documents

• Connections between JOAQ’s registered Wuse II office and Wike’s business interests

This scandal could prompt formal probes by anti-corruption bodies or parliamentary committees. Ultimately, the findings will determine whether Wike violated land policies or simply followed legal farming procedures.

Final Thoughts

The story puts a spotlight on broader governance issues: the transparency of public land allocations, conflict of interest concerns, and the stark contrast between public service delivery and alleged private enrichment. As the smoke clears, Nigerians—and especially residents of the FCT—will be watching to see whether accountability follows.