The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has maintained that the planned redevelopment of Jabi Lake in Abuja will go ahead without reversal, insisting that the Federal Capital Territory Administration will not be swayed by emotional appeals, public pressure, or religious intervention.
Wike made the strong remarks on Wednesday during a media briefing in Abuja, where he defended the government’s decision to revoke long-standing land allocations around the popular waterfront and reposition the area for structured urban redevelopment.
The minister, who spoke firmly on the controversy surrounding the exercise, declared that the project would proceed “even if God comes down,” stressing that governance decisions must be guided by law, planning regulations, and public interest rather than sentiment or emotion.
The statement comes amid growing public debate following the revocation of land previously allocated to private developers for recreational and tourism-related purposes around Jabi Lake, one of Abuja’s most visited leisure destinations.
The controversy intensified after a viral video surfaced showing Rev. Serah Omaku, Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre in Abuja, emotionally appealing during a church service for the government to reconsider its decision. In the video, the cleric was seen expressing concern over the impact of the revocation, a moment that sparked widespread reactions across social media platforms.
However, Wike dismissed the emotional appeals, insisting that such interventions, no matter how public or religiously charged, cannot override legal processes and urban development policies.
According to him, the affected land had been allocated to a private company for over a decade with the expectation of transforming it into a world class recreational and tourism hub. He, however, noted that the project had not materialized, leading to the deterioration of the area.
Wike explained that rather than becoming a modern entertainment and leisure destination as originally envisioned, the site had gradually turned into an unregulated environment with informal structures and activities that do not align with the Abuja master plan.
He expressed concern that the state of the area undermines safety, environmental standards, and the capital city’s image, adding that such conditions are unacceptable for a location of strategic importance.
The minister stated that during his inspection visit, he observed what he described as disorganized settlements and structures that had taken over parts of the waterfront, a situation he said must be corrected urgently.
He further questioned the legitimacy of prolonged land holding without meaningful development, arguing that government land cannot be left idle for years while remaining tied up by private interests.
According to him, the Federal Capital Territory Administration has already revoked the previous allocation in line with established regulations and will now reassign the land to serious investors capable of delivering a properly planned development.
Wike emphasized that the new allocation process will be strictly regulated, with clear timelines and performance requirements. He warned that any investor who fails to meet development conditions within the stipulated period will have the land reclaimed by the government without hesitation.
He also addressed concerns that the redevelopment may limit public access to Jabi Lake, clarifying that the objective is not exclusion but transformation. He explained that the government intends to create a properly structured recreational environment that is safe, accessible, and economically beneficial to residents and visitors.
Wike questioned claims suggesting personal or private ownership of the lakefront, insisting that the area remains public property under government control and must be developed in accordance with approved urban planning standards.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to ending land speculation and ensuring that all allocated plots within the Federal Capital Territory are developed within reasonable timeframes or returned to government control.
The minister also defended the enforcement actions taken by development control officials, stating that notices issued to remove unauthorized structures were part of efforts to restore order and enforce compliance with planning regulations.
He argued that allowing uncontrolled activities around key public assets undermines the long term vision of Abuja as a well structured and globally competitive capital city.
Wike reaffirmed that the redevelopment of Jabi Lake is part of a broader urban renewal strategy aimed at repositioning Abuja for tourism, investment, and recreational excellence.
He maintained that the government would not be distracted by emotional reactions or public pressure campaigns, adding that decisions affecting public assets must prioritize long term development goals over individual or sectional interests.
The Jabi Lake redevelopment plan continues to generate public discourse, with opinions divided among stakeholders, including residents, religious leaders, and property holders. However, the Federal Capital Territory Administration insists that the project will proceed as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize and reorganize critical infrastructure within the capital city.
