WIKE AND ABUJA’S CHANGING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Abuja, Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has achieved a remarkable turnaround in its business climate, ascending to become one of the nation's top five most business-friendly destinations. This significant leap, from a 31st-place ranking in 2023, underscores a strategic focus on infrastructure development, land administration reforms, and improved service delivery.

The administration of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has prioritized infrastructure renewal, leading to the construction and rehabilitation of roads that enhance connectivity within the capital and its surrounding communities. Equally consequential has been the focus on land reforms, aiming to restore discipline and integrity within the land administration system. Measures have been implemented to strengthen land documentation, combat illicit land allocations, enforce development conditions, and improve accountability.

Further reforms address long-standing issues like Area Council land documentation and the regularization of property interests. The administration has also reinforced the principle of responsibility by introducing and enforcing ground rent obligations and pursuing outstanding revenue recovery. Beyond physical infrastructure and land, progress has been made in institutional areas crucial for businesses, including access to commercial justice and technology-driven public services, such as functional Small Claims Courts designed to expedite dispute resolution for MSMEs.