The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to clamp down on land grabbing and illegal developments in Abuja.
Wike issued the warning on Friday while addressing journalists after inspecting the demolition of an illegal structure in the Diplomatic Zone of Katampe Extension.
He explained that the land had been officially allocated since 2008 for residential use by foreign missions but was illegally taken over by a private developer who commenced construction without approval from the FCTA.
According to the minister, embassies originally allocated the land include those of Japan, Thailand, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Austria, Senegal, and the Palestine Liberation Organization.
Wike expressed concern that despite the formal allocation, a developer still encroached on the land and began development without authorization.
“This land was given to various embassies since 2008. Unfortunately, somebody came here, took over the land and started development without approval from the FCTA. The Development Control Department had to intervene because this land grabbing must stop,” he said.
The minister stressed that the administration would not be deterred by the level of investment already made on the property, insisting that all illegal structures on the site must be demolished to preserve the integrity of land administration in the territory.
He revealed that the developer responsible for the encroachment, identified as Alhaji Kabiru Sahara, had been apprehended by law enforcement authorities and would be prosecuted.
Wike further disclosed that the FCTA had ordered the demolition of all structures on the land and would formally notify the affected embassies that the property had been reclaimed.
Meanwhile, the minister also inspected several major infrastructure projects across Abuja, noting that many of them were progressing steadily and are expected to be completed before May 2026.
He said the projects are scheduled for inauguration during the third anniversary celebrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Among the projects inspected was the road leading to the Tunga Madaki community, located off Bill Clinton Drive near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Following assurances from the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, that the project would be completed by the first week of June, Wike directed that the road be immediately extended to connect with Zuba to improve access to the city centre.
The directive was welcomed by residents of the Tunga Madaki community who gathered to receive the minister during the inspection visit.
Wike also reviewed progress on the construction of Transit Way N2, which includes two bridges linking Wuse with the Central Business District, as well as the access road connecting the Body of Benchers complex to the Nile University area within the Institution and Research District.
He noted that the Body of Benchers annex office was about 85 per cent completed and would be ready for handover by the end of May.
During the tour, the minister also inspected the ongoing redesign and beautification of the Abuja City Gate. He explained that the project was initiated by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the entrance into the nation’s capital.
According to him, the construction firm, Julius Berger, has assured that the project will be completed in May.
Wike said the initiative aims to ensure that visitors arriving in Abuja from the airport are welcomed by a structure befitting of a modern capital city.
“It is the brainchild of the First Lady, and Abuja deserves better than the old pillar standing at the city gate. When visitors arrive from the airport, the entrance must reflect the status of a modern capital,” he said.
