Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed the strike threat issued by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Abuja chapter, over the reallocation of portions of the institution’s land to private developers and government agencies.
Wike maintained that the union has no authority over land administration in the FCT, insisting that the responsibility rests with the FCT Administration.
The minister spoke during his monthly media chat, where he questioned ASUU’s involvement in decisions concerning land allocation and ownership in the nation’s capital.
“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 asked.
He also challenged the practicality of a university retaining thousands of hectares of undeveloped land while restricting development activities in the territory.
According to him, the FCTA’s actions are part of government policy and urban planning, adding that land administration and enforcement of the FCT master plan fall within the administration’s statutory responsibilities.
Wike further said the FCTA would not be intimidated by ASUU’s threat to embark on industrial action or challenge the decision in court.
He maintained that the administration was prepared to defend its actions if the union pursued legal proceedings.
The minister also accused ASUU’s leadership of using strike threats as leverage, urging the union to follow established procedures rather than resort to what he described as blackmail.
ASUU Raises Alarm Over UniAbuja Land
The dispute followed a press conference by ASUU University of Abuja chapter chairman, Dr Sylvanus Ugoh, who warned that the union could no longer guarantee industrial harmony on campus if Wike failed to reverse land allocations in the Giri District.
ASUU argued that the 11,824 hectares originally allocated to the university were necessary for its long-term expansion, agricultural research and infrastructure development.
The union had also expressed opposition to the allocation of portions of the institution’s designated land to private developers and government agencies.
However, Wike insisted that the FCTA would proceed with decisions concerning the recovery and allocation of unused land, arguing that federal institutions must provide proper documentation, approvals and evidence of utilisation before retaining extensive land holdings.
The minister reiterated that the FCTA would not reverse its position over the dispute, despite ASUU’s warning of possible industrial action and legal proceedings.
