NEPZA Moves to Resolve Abuja Tech Village Land Dispute

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has moved to mediate in the ongoing disagreement between the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Abuja Technology Village (ATV) Free Zone over the possible withdrawal of land allocated to the tech hub.

The intervention comes after FCT Minister Nyesom Wike announced plans to reclaim the ATV site to make way for the Abuja City Walk – a 200-hectare mixed-use development along Airport Road designed to feature residential, commercial, medical, and institutional facilities. The initiative forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at attracting global investment to the capital.

In a statement on Friday, NEPZA’s Head of Corporate Communications, Martins Odeh, revealed that Managing Director Olufemi Ogunyemi had urged ATV investors and operators to withdraw their legal case against the FCTA to enable a peaceful settlement.

During a visit to the FCTA, Ogunyemi highlighted the need to balance the success of the ATV project with the ambitions of the Abuja City Walk. He stressed that supporting free trade zones was key to driving industrial growth and boosting the FCT’s economic prospects. He also disclosed that NEPZA would soon evaluate all 63 licensed Free Trade Zones nationwide to assess their performance in attracting foreign investment and promoting exports.

FCT Minister Wike, in response, expressed willingness to work with NEPZA to find a mutually beneficial solution. While reaffirming his administration’s support for investment, he cautioned that landholders must meet their development commitments, warning against leaving allocated plots idle or using them improperly.