Channels Television has pushed back against allegations made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, regarding the land housing its national headquarters.
During a media chat on Wednesday, May 6, the Minister alleged that the media organisation was profiting from government property without paying for it. He claimed the plot in the Guzape district of Abuja was simply handed over to the station.
“The land that you built Channels on is public land. You are making money out of the public property. Did you buy it? No. It was allocated to you,” Wike alleged during the live broadcast.
Legal Allocation and Financial Compliance
But in a swift rebuttal on Thursday, May 7, Channels Television described the Minister’s remarks as inaccurate. The broadcaster clarified that the FCT Administration legally allocated the property nearly two decades ago.
Specifically, the land was granted to the station on March 6, 2007, for commercial use.
The media house maintained that it followed all due processes required by the land administration laws of the capital territory.
“It is not correct. The property, which houses our national headquarters in the Guzape area of Abuja, was allocated to CTV on March 6, 2007, for commercial purposes by the then FCT minister,” the station stated.
Furthermore, the organisation confirmed that all statutory charges and required fees were settled in full. This contradicts the Minister’s suggestion that the station was benefiting from a “free” government gift.
“We can confirm that all required fees and charges were fully paid,” the broadcaster added.
The station also addressed the Minister’s comments about paying for media coverage. Wike had defended paying for the live interview, arguing that such services are never free.
Meanwhile, Channels TV explained that live broadcasts involve massive logistical costs. These include the use of outside broadcasting (OB) vans, technical crews, and the reservation of expensive satellite airtime.
“Our fees are out there. We are a news and broadcast media organisation. So, if you are going to lock down one, two, or three hours of airtime, of course you will pay,” the station explained.
The broadcaster then dared the Minister to provide full details on any other land allegedly allocated to journalists. They insisted that transparency in land deals is necessary to maintain public trust in the media industry.
Consequently, the station pledged to keep asking difficult questions despite the recent friction. They maintained that their credibility, built over 30 years, remains intact regardless of the FCT Minister’s allegations.
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