- The Federal Capital Territory Administration revoked land at Jabi Lake used by Family Worship Centre
- Minister Nyesom Wike said the land would be reallocated with development conditions
- Wike cited security concerns and years of non-development
- Senior Pastor Serah Omaku had appealed against the move
Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has defended the revocation of land at Jabi Lake in Abuja used by Family Worship Centre, Legit.ng reported on May 6, 2026.
The land had been allocated earlier and was revoked by the FCT Administration, with enforcement action described as ongoing. Wike said the land would be “reallocated with clear conditions. If there is no development within the specified time, we will take it back.” He cited security concerns, saying the area had shanties and possible criminal activity, and pointed to years of non-development by previous allottees.
Responding to an emotional appeal from Senior Pastor Serah Omaku, Wike said: “if she likes, let her call God to come down. What is my business?”
The dispute pits a congregation’s use of prime city land against the government’s rule that allocated land must be developed.
In Jamaica, too, land granted or leased by the state often comes with conditions to develop within a set time. Churches that receive land from government, or buy land with development covenants, should know those conditions and meet them. Leaving land undeveloped or using it informally can give the authorities grounds to take it back, however strong the congregation’s attachment.
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