Detailed Report:
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has provided a detailed explanation for revoking the land allocated to Julius Berger in Abuja’s Katampe District. The announcement was made during the official launch of the Design and Construction of 40 Judges’ Quarters in the capital, attended by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem.
Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, disclosed that he revoked the certificate of occupancy (C of O) for the land, which had been allocated to Julius Berger over 15 years ago, due to the lack of development. He recounted his discovery of the unused plot while searching for a suitable site to build housing for judges. “I saw the land with a Julius Berger signboard, so I inquired about its ownership. It was allocated 15 to 20 years ago but had remained undeveloped,” Wike explained.
In an anecdotal twist, Wike mentioned that he had invited Julius Berger’s managing director to dinner but chose not to discuss the land during their meeting. The following day, the company received the revocation letter. “The government cannot allow land to remain unused for over two decades when it can serve a public purpose like this housing project,” Wike concluded.
The move underscores the FCT administration’s commitment to ensuring that land within the capital is utilized for beneficial public projects, addressing both the need for judicial housing and effective land use management.
