The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the decision to reallocate Jabi Lake for redevelopment, insisting the move is aimed at improving the area’s value and security.
The controversy began after a senior pastor, Sarah Omakwu of Family Worship Centre, publicly appealed to the minister—through a video message—urging him not to hand over the recreational site to private developers. She pleaded emotionally that the lake should remain accessible to the public.
Responding during a media briefing in Abuja, Wike dismissed the appeal, saying he is not influenced by emotional pressure. He explained that the site had previously been allocated to a company that failed to develop it properly, leading to the emergence of shanties and security concerns.
According to him, the government revoked the earlier arrangement due to neglect and plans to reassign the land to investors with the capacity to properly develop it into a functional recreational hub.
Wike emphasized that strict conditions will guide the new allocation, including deadlines for development, after which the government may reclaim the property if terms are not met. He also rejected claims that the move would deny public access to the lake, insisting it is aimed at better utilization of government land.
He concluded by stressing that public assets must be developed responsibly, adding that personal sentiments will not override government policy decisions.
