By Abdullahi Lukman
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, on Monday promised to allocate land in satellite towns to genuine farmers to boost agricultural production and address food insecurity.
He made the announcement during the inauguration of a newly constructed rural road connecting A2 Junction (Abuja-Lokoja Expressway) to Pai community in Kwali Area Council, Abuja.
The road is one of 17 projects completed by the FCT Administration and inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu to mark his second year in office.
Wike highlighted that the improved road network has opened up previously inaccessible rural areas, promoting economic activities, especially agriculture.
“Look at the vast area of land and we are talking about food insecurity,” Wike said.
“We are willing to pay compensation to communities and provide farmland to those who are real farmers, not political speculators.”
He warned that political farmers—those who acquire land for speculation rather than farming—would not be considered for land allocation, stressing that such practices hinder genuine agricultural development.
President Tinubu also emphasized the untapped potential of the vast arable lands in satellite towns, pledging government support to enhance agricultural productivity.
He noted opportunities for ranching and rural development, stressing the need to turn previously neglected resources into prosperity for rural communities.
“We will help you.
We will work with you,” Tinubu said, pledging to transform areas of past conflict into sources of economic growth.