Tinubu Orders Wike to Allocate Land for Abdulsalami Resource Centre

June 17, 2026 3 min read

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to immediately allocate land for the Abdulsalami Abubakar Resource Centre. The directive was issued on Saturday and reported by Vanguard News, setting in motion plans for a facility named after Nigeria's former head of state.

Presidential Directive Issued

The order came directly from the presidency, directing Wike to identify and secure a suitable parcel of land within the FCT. Sources close to the matter indicated the directive carries urgency, with officials expected to move quickly on site selection. The resource centre will honour the legacy of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who served as Nigeria's head of state from 1998 to 1999.

Wike, who assumed office as FCT Minister in 2023, now faces the task of processing the allocation through standard bureaucratic channels. The minister has previously overseen several high-profile infrastructure projects in the capital territory, though this particular assignment links him to a landmark national honour.

The Abdulsalami Abubakar Resource Centre

The centre, also referred to as the African Resource Centre in some official communications, aims to serve as a hub for dialogue and research. It will focus on issues affecting the African continent, drawing on Abdulsalami's experience in regional diplomacy and conflict resolution. The former leader has remained active in peace initiatives across West Africa since leaving office.

Details about the facility's specific functions remain limited, but officials suggest it will host conferences, training programmes, and archival materials related to Nigeria's democratic transition. The centre is expected to attract scholars, policymakers, and international delegations to the capital.

Site Selection and Location

While the presidential order does not specify a precise location, Airport Road has emerged as a likely candidate area given its prominence and accessibility. Wike's ministry will need to conduct surveys, verify land titles, and complete environmental assessments before any groundbreaking can proceed. These processes typically take several months under normal circumstances.

The FCT has seen rapid development under Wike's tenure, with new roads, housing estates, and commercial centres transforming parts of the territory. Critics have raised concerns about displacement and land disputes, though the minister has defended his record on urban expansion.

National Significance of the Project

General Abdulsalami Abubakar's presidency is remembered chiefly for overseeing Nigeria's transition to civilian rule in 1999. He handed power to President Olusegun Obasanjo after a successful election, establishing a precedent for peaceful transfers of authority. The proposed centre would preserve documents, artefacts, and oral histories from that period.

Former associates of the ex-head of state have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a fitting recognition of his contributions to national stability. The centre may also serve as a venue for continued engagement between Abdulsalami and regional leaders on matters of common concern.

What Happens Next

Wike's ministry is expected to present a shortlist of suitable land parcels to the presidency within the coming weeks. The Attorney General's office will need to verify that proposed sites carry no legal encumbrances before final approval. Once land is formally allocated, architectural designs and construction timelines can proceed.

Citizens in Abuja should watch for public notices regarding site surveys in the Airport Road corridor and surrounding districts. Community leaders have already begun inquiries about potential impacts on existing residents and businesses in affected areas. The full scope of the project, including funding arrangements and operational details, remains pending official announcement.