By Stanley Onyekwere
Some concerned staff members at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) have appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to halt an alleged forceful takeover of public land surrounding the iconic Radio House complex in Area 10, Garki, Abuja.
In a petition titled “Forceful Take Over of Government Land at Radio House, Garki: An Appeal to Safeguard National Interest,” signed by Nicholas James on behalf of the staff, workers alleged that influential individuals are attempting to appropriate portions of the premises for private commercial use under the guise of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
The petitioners allege that a retired FRCN staff member, working alongside a serving official, is spearheading the land grab.
They claim these individuals are exploiting government connections to sell or lease land within the complex for personal pecuniary benefits.
Workers raised concerns over the reported relocation of a mosque within the premises to a site directly adjacent to a church building, warning that the move could cause needless future friction.
The proposed development reportedly includes a private event center and other commercial facilities. Staff argue this will worsen the already severe shortage of parking spaces for workers and visitors.
The petition highlights that Radio House shares a direct boundary with the Nigerian Army Headquarters. Workers warn that erecting private commercial structures in this zone poses a significant security risk.
According to them, the forceful takeover threatens restaurant operators within the complex—who currently have agreements to pay annual ground rent—face potential demolition. The new arrangement would allegedly hand these spaces to private operators who intend to hike rental rates.
The workers have urged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to intervene immediately to protect the landmark complex, which they described as a “national treasure.
“We beseech the Honourable Minister of the FCT to urgently intervene by nipping in the bud this selfish adventure to a national treasure in the FCT,” excerpt from the petition.
At the time of reporting, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, as well as the management of the FRCN, have not publicly responded to these claims.
Also, the allegations contained in the petition have not been independently verified.
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