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 Nasarawa Lands Director Urges Dialogue Over Federal Polytechnic, Gunki Land Dispute

A former Director of Works, Lands and Survey in Nasarawa Local Government Area, Ibrahim Wali  (Bunun Nasarawa), has called for dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the ongoing land dispute between the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa and the Gunki Community.

In a memorandum addressed to the Rector and Management of the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, with copies to the Nasarawa State Government, the Emirate Council and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Wali said he was compelled to present his perspective based on his firsthand involvement in the administration of the disputed land.

According to him, he served as Land Officer in Nasarawa before becoming Director of Works, Lands and Survey for about 10 years, during which he participated in compensation exercises for the first set of people who encroached on the Polytechnic's land, including owners of structures around the school gate, particularly the Chindin Hotel area.

Wali stated that the land currently under dispute was originally farmland when it was acquired by the government for the establishment of the Polytechnic, adding that the acquisition was carried out in accordance with due process for public purposes.

He further claimed that both the government and traditional institutions had, over the years, undertaken sustained sensitization campaigns to inform residents that the land legally belongs to the institution in order to prevent future conflicts.

The former lands administrator also said affected persons whose structures were located within the Polytechnic's land were compensated and relocated during the earlier exercise. However, he alleged that some occupants later moved deeper into the Gunki area, which he maintained remains within the institution's gazetted land, and continued development despite repeated warnings from government authorities and traditional rulers.

Rather than resorting to immediate demolition of existing structures, Wali proposed that areas already developed and not required for the Polytechnic's immediate expansion be temporarily designated for compatible residential or educational uses until the institution requires them for academic or related purposes.

He argued that town planning is dynamic and cited the example of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where communities occupy parts of the university's land, saying such situations demonstrate the need to balance institutional expansion with prevailing human realities.

To ensure a lasting solution, Wali recommended the establishment of a technical committee comprising representatives of the Nasarawa State Government, traditional institutions, the Polytechnic management and the affected community. According to him, the committee should analyse, document and regulate the affected areas to prevent future disputes.

He stressed that the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, which he described as a valuable asset to Nasarawa Town and Nasarawa State, should continue to grow without creating avoidable conflict. Wali also expressed his willingness to provide further clarification or technical support should a committee be constituted to address the matter.

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