Abuja Technology Village Warns FCT Minister Wike Against Land Encroachment

Abuja Technology Village Free Zone Company Limited has issued a strong warning to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, foreign investors, and the general public, cautioning them against any form of encroachment on its land within the Abuja Technology Village.

The warning was delivered by the company’s Managing Director, Chief Yohana Dyelkop, at a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday.

Dyelkop’s statement was prompted by recent media reports suggesting that Minister Wike had reached an agreement with foreign investors to develop 200 hectares of land within the Technology Village.

While acknowledging the Minister’s efforts to attract foreign investment to the FCT, Dyelkop emphasised the need to clarify the ownership and legal status of certain plots within the Abuja Technology Village.

He stated that the company has numerous plots across various districts, and specifically singled out Plots 22 and 23, C17, Industrial Area 2, as being under the company’s ownership and currently subject to legal restrictions.

“Although the details of the agreement are not yet available to me, it is imperative to state clearly that it should not, and cannot, include our properties – Plots 22 and 23, C17, Industrial Area 2,” Dyelkop declared.

According to Dyelkop, any attempt to develop or transact on these particular plots would be unlawful and would constitute contempt of court.

He cited a pending restraining order issued by the Federal High Court, preventing any activity on the land while legal issues remain unresolved.

“Any attempts to develop or transact on these plots without resolving the ongoing legal issues would be in contempt of court,” he reiterated.

Dyelkop further urged the general public, foreign investors, and any interested parties to exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence before engaging with any plots within the Abuja Technology Village.

“We urge the general public, foreign investors, and any interested parties to exercise caution and due diligence when engaging with any plots within the Abuja Technology Village,” he advised.

The Managing Director reaffirmed Abuja Technology Village Free Zone Company Limited’s commitment to developing the area in accordance with the law and best practices.

“Abuja Technology Village Free Zone Company Limited remains committed to developing the Abuja Technology Village in accordance with the law and best practices,” he said.

Dyelkop concluded by stating that the company would continue to vigorously protect its own interests, as well as the interests of its stakeholders, while ensuring full compliance with all legal requirements.

The development adds a layer of complexity to Minister Wike’s ambitious plans for the FCT and highlights the importance of careful consideration of existing legal frameworks when pursuing investment and development opportunities.