Investor Endorses Wike’s Urban Reforms, Urges Diaspora Nigerians to Invest in Planned Master Communities

A real estate investor has thrown his weight behind the urban reform initiatives of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, calling on Nigerian developers, particularly those in the diaspora ,to embrace the concept of master communities for sustainable city growth.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the Founder of Wardiere Oakmount Developments, Diamond Ilori, described Wike’s ongoing reforms in land administration and development control as corrective measures essential to maintaining order in the nation’s capital.

“The FCT is not a place for unplanned expansion. What the Minister is doing should be seen as restoring discipline, not punishment. Developers must adhere to the law and plan accordingly,” Ilori stated.

He urged private developers to comply with land regulations, including the Land Use Act, prompt payment of ground rent, and proper title documentation, stressing that violations often stem from ignorance rather than defiance.

Ilori further proposed the creation of a Real Estate Regulatory Authority, similar to Dubai’s RERA, to standardize the industry, certify practitioners, and safeguard investor confidence.

On the need for well-planned estates, he explained that small fragmented plots hinder proper infrastructure development, while integrated communities allow for organized growth. He cited Wardiere Oakmount’s Abuja projects The Valley in Kuje and Al Barari Estate  as examples of self-sustaining communities featuring residential, commercial, and leisure spaces alongside transport systems and green parks.

“We are building ecosystems, not just estates. Our model integrates housing, schools, hospitals, and malls into a functional, green environment,” Ilori said, noting that 40% of Al Barari is dedicated to open spaces and water bodies.

Ilori appealed to Nigerians abroad to replicate similar urban standards at home, arguing that diaspora investments should go beyond constructing individual houses to creating organized, livable communities.

“Diaspora Nigerians should bring home the discipline and standards they see abroad. We need well-structured, sustainable communities that make Abuja truly world-class,” he added.

The investor’s remarks come amid Wike’s intensified efforts to enforce compliance with the FCT master plan, reclaim encroached lands, and promote responsible urban development.