Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike has lamented the high level of corruption in the land administration of the capital city.
The minister, who received in audience, a delegation from Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), led by its Managing Director, Gbenga Alade, recounted the challenges he faced in land administration, which he emphasized, is neck deep in corruption.
“We have a problem in land administration. That is the place where we see corruption. People think that you are coming to share land when they appoint you as FCT Minister.
“That is the only thing you see here that as the Minister of the FCT, your business is to preside over land allocation—no other job; no infrastructure, no education, no health. You come to the office; everybody is land, land, land. Nothing more.
“So, when you have come to make changes, it becomes a problem; they will call you all sorts of names….We can’t continue in that way. Somebody must have to take the bull by the horns. That’s all about leadership.
“You may not be right all the time, but you must take a decision and be firm, and that’s the only way this country can survive.”
Nyeso Wike complained that because of his decision to change the negative narratives, he had made a lot of enemies both within and outside the government.
He said that the journey as minister has not been easy but that he is determined to also succeed.
The Minister regretted that many people view government decisions and actions through ethnic and religious prisms but that a leader must step on toes in order to succeed.
Wike congratulated the MD and his team on their appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to manage AMCON and advised them to remain focused in the discharge of their duties.
He said said that President Tinubu has identified competent individuals to change the country’s narratives and expressed confidence that the MD and his team had what it takes to bring about positive changes.
The FCT Minister, stressed that tough decisions are required to address the challenges in any organization.
“Mr. President believes in you. He thinks you can make a difference. “For every opportunity you have, say that this was my contribution while I was there. It’s very key. This country must succeed.
“You were brought there because there are challenges. If there are no challenges, nobody will appoint you. There are challenges for you to solve.”
Earlier, the MD AMCON told the Minister that AMCO was created by the Federal Government in 2010 to stabilize the banking industry, which was shaky and struggling with a large stock of bad loans.
He said that the Federal Government founded AMCON to take over the bad loans from the banks, administer the loans and all the assets underlining them, and manage them on its behalf.
He acknowledged the giant strides recorded by the Minister in infrastructure development.
