By Mary Emeka
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has insisted that any land allocated to the Ladies’ Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) for its proposed permanent office and golf development facilities must be backed by clear commitments on when construction will be completed.
Wike said the FCT Administration would not encourage a situation where public land allocated to organisations remained undeveloped, stressing the need for accountability in the management of government assets.
The Minister stated this on Friday when a delegation of the LGAN, led by its President, Dr Lami Ahmed, visited him at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, to seek support for the development of women’s and junior golf in Nigeria.
He said the administration was willing to consider the association’s request for land, provided both parties reached an agreement specifying the timeframe for developing the proposed facilities.
According to him, land allocations must come with clear development obligations to prevent public property from being left unused after approval.
Wike also expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, disclosing that rehabilitation work on the facility had reached approximately 35 per cent completion.
He said the FCT Administration had engaged the construction company responsible for the golf course to undertake necessary improvements ahead of the All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) Nigeria 2026, scheduled for November 2 to 7 in Abuja.
The Minister described the condition of the facility as evidence of the challenges associated with managing public institutions and questioned how such an important sporting asset had been allowed to deteriorate.
On the association’s request to use the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre for the championship’s closing banquet and prize presentation, Wike approved a 50-50 cost-sharing arrangement.
He explained that the facility required regular maintenance and cleaning, making it necessary for the association to share the cost of its use rather than expecting free access.
Wike also pledged support for hosting the continental women’s amateur golf championship and offered assistance towards the development of junior golf facilities.
However, he expressed reservations about serving as Chief Host of the tournament, citing the late request and his demanding official schedule.
Earlier, Ahmed said the championship, themed “Uniting Africa Through the Greens,” would attract golfers and delegates from more than 30 African countries.
She said the event would provide an opportunity to showcase Abuja’s hospitality, sporting facilities and tourism potential while strengthening Nigeria’s position in continental golf.
The LGAN president appealed for government support towards women’s and junior golf development, describing the championship as an opportunity to establish a lasting legacy for the sport in Nigeria.
