Wike Extends Deadline for Religious Institutions Following ‘Develop or Revoke’ Order

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has decided to extend the ‘develop or revoke’ order issued to religious organizations in the territory. This announcement comes as a change to the initial three-month notice given to all institutions.

Last month, Minister Wike had issued a three-month grace period for the owners of 189 undeveloped plots, giving them a deadline to commence development or face the risk of revocation.

Speaking during a meeting with the Board of the National Mosque, led by Chairman Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the minister explained that the extension was granted to religious groups due to their reliance on donations from their members. This extension will provide additional time to religious institutions to fulfill the development requirements.

The delegation from the National Mosque sought clarification on the status of their plots, particularly plot 63, where they had been instructed to halt development during the construction of the Outer Southern Expressway. Minister Wike provided insight into the situation, explaining that work was initially scheduled to start on the plot but was temporarily halted by a ‘stop work’ notice.

The National Mosque board also requested support to complete the ongoing renovation of the FCT National Mosque, which is being carried out by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). This request aimed to ensure the completion of the renovation before the inauguration of President Tinubu’s administration.

Minister Wike pointed out that the National Mosque was recognized as a national monument by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who initiated a fundraiser for its renovation. Regarding plot 99, he noted that the necessary building plan approval had been obtained, and development would commence soon.

In response to concerns about the revocation order, Minister Wike emphasized that it was not targeted at any specific individual or group. Instead, the purpose of the order is to change the landscape of the territory and discourage criminal activities that may occur in abandoned or unfinished buildings.

He stated, “In order to fight crime and change the landscape of the city, we will not allow uncompleted buildings. Therefore, those who own such properties should start completing them.”

Minister Wike also addressed the financial challenges faced by religious groups, acknowledging that they depend on the support of their members. As a result, additional time will be granted to religious organizations to meet the development requirements, taking into account their financial limitations.

Additionally, during the meeting, Minister Wike clarified the controversies surrounding the alleged demolition of a mosque in Rivers State during his tenure as the governor of the state. He strongly denied these allegations, considering them a political move by his opponents, and maintained that no mosque was demolished during his governorship.

FCT Administration Reveals Monthly Wage Bill

In a separate development, Minister Nyesom Wike disclosed that the monthly wage bill of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) amounts to a staggering N8 billion. This substantial expense does not include the recent N35,000 wage increase for civil servants.

The minister shared this information while meeting with the executive members of the FCT chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors, led by President Dr. Rahman Olayinka. Minister Wike expressed the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the association to the best of its abilities, although he emphasized the need to consider the available resources.

He highlighted the increased demand for more financial resources, particularly in light of the salary increment by the federal government. The FCT relies heavily on internally generated revenue (IGR) to sustain its operations and services. Minister Wike pointed out the current expenditure allocation and its impact on the ability to fund infrastructure, comparing it to the previous allocation when he was the governor of Rivers State.