Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, is at the center of a growing storm following allegations that he allocated more than 2,000 hectares of prime Abuja land—valued at over $3.6 billion—to his son, Joaquin Wike.
According to a detailed report by Peoples Gazette, the allocations were made through Joaq Farms and Estates Ltd, a company registered in October 2024. Barely days after its incorporation, the company began receiving vast tracts of land, starting with a 350-hectare allocation. Within months, it was granted numerous other parcels across elite districts including Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape, Gaduwa, Bwari, and Kwaita.
By May 2025, records showed that at least 2,082 hectares had been formally transferred to Joaq Farms, with sources suggesting the actual figure may exceed 3,500 hectares. The process reportedly bypassed mandatory fees such as ground rent, title registration, and survey charges—raising red flags about abuse of office.
Legal analysts and civil service insiders say the minister’s actions appear to breach Nigeria’s Code of Conduct for public officers, which prohibits self-dealing and the use of official position for personal gain. Several aides reportedly raised internal objections, which Wike allegedly brushed aside, stating that he wanted his children to become Abuja’s biggest landowners.
Certificates of occupancy were allegedly fast-tracked, significantly inflating the value of the land. In highbrow areas like Maitama and Asokoro, individual plots currently fetch over $1.2 million on the open market.
In a particularly controversial move, Wike is accused of reallocating land previously designated for Austria’s diplomatic mission, as well as revoking titles from private citizens—one of whom reportedly declined to speak out due to fear of reprisal.
Joaquin Wike, who has kept a low public profile since completing secondary school in 2020, has been increasingly visible at public events alongside his father. Sources close to the family say the minister is grooming his sons for future political roles.
When contacted for a response, Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, said he was unaware of the allegations and declined to comment further.
