Wike Declares Abuja Open For Business, Warns Land Speculators

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to making Abuja Nigeria’s most attractive investment destination, assuring local and foreign investors of a transparent, secure and business-friendly environment.

The minister warned that land speculators, fraudulent developers and individuals violating the Abuja Master Plan would no longer be tolerated, insisting that the administration would enforce regulations to safeguard legitimate investments.

Wike gave the assurance on Wednesday at the opening of the Abuja Business and Investment Expo (ABIE) 3.0, organised by the Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL) in Abuja.

Represented by the minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Wike said the ongoing transformation of the nation’s capital under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda had created a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth driven by private sector participation.

He described infrastructure as the cornerstone of economic development, noting that the FCTA had embarked on an unprecedented programme of road construction, urban renewal, expansion of water supply, transportation networks, healthcare and education infrastructure to position Abuja as Africa’s preferred investment destination.

According to him, the administration has moved beyond policy declarations to delivering concrete results through the completion of abandoned projects, opening of new development corridors and extension of critical infrastructure to satellite towns and Area Councils.

The minister also highlighted Abuja’s improved business climate, revealing that the FCT ranked fourth nationwide in the 2025 Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Subnational Ease of Doing Business assessment, scoring 61 per cent.

He said the achievement reflected the administration’s commitment to improving governance, simplifying investment procedures and strengthening institutional efficiency.

“We will not stop until Abuja becomes Nigeria’s foremost investment destination and one of Africa’s most competitive business hubs,” he said.

Wike disclosed that reforms in land administration, digital governance, revenue collection and institutional accountability were already being implemented to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, enhance transparency and provide investors with a predictable business environment.

He stressed, however, that while genuine investors would continue to enjoy government support, the administration would take decisive action against fraudulent land allocations, multiple ownership claims, illegal developments and other practices capable of eroding investor confidence.

“Ease of doing business does not mean the absence of regulation. We will support and protect genuine investors, but we will not protect land speculators, fraudulent developers or businesses that disregard the law,” the minister declared.

He identified real estate, transportation, agriculture, tourism, healthcare, education, renewable energy, technology, creative industries, waste management and urban infrastructure as priority sectors for investment.

The minister urged investors to take advantage of opportunities in rapidly developing satellite towns and emerging districts, noting that Abuja’s next phase of economic growth would extend beyond the city centre to unlock the economic potential of the entire Federal Capital Territory.

He assured investors of sustained investment in world-class infrastructure, policy consistency and an enabling business environment, while calling on the private sector to deliver quality projects, create jobs and contribute to economic development.

Wike expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between government and the private sector would accelerate Abuja’s emergence as a globally competitive capital city and a leading destination for investment, innovation, tourism and enterprise.

In her remarks, the group managing director and chief executive officer of Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL), Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, described the Abuja Business and Investment Expo as a strategic platform for promoting partnerships, attracting investment and unlocking the economic potential of the Federal Capital Territory.

She said the theme of this year’s event, “Building Nigeria’s Capital: Investment as a Catalyst for Economic Growth,” reflects the administration’s vision of transforming Abuja into a globally competitive investment destination through improved infrastructure, innovation and private sector collaboration.

Tamuno commended the leadership of Minister Wike for driving major infrastructure and urban renewal projects that have significantly enhanced Abuja’s attractiveness to investors.

She disclosed that participants at the three-day expo would engage in investment forums, exhibitions, networking sessions and policy dialogues covering key sectors, including real estate, infrastructure, technology, renewable energy, solid minerals, sports and the creative economy.

She urged investors, development partners and members of the business community to take advantage of the vast opportunities available in the FCT, expressing confidence that ABIE 3.0 would facilitate strategic partnerships and attract investments capable of accelerating the economic growth of Abuja and Nigeria.