The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has directed the demolition of structures illegally built on parcels of land originally allocated to foreign embassies in Abuja, declaring that authorities will no longer condone land encroachment in the nation’s capital.
The directive was issued on Friday while the minister inspected ongoing projects across the Federal Capital Territory.
During the visit, Wike disclosed that the individual allegedly responsible for the unauthorized construction had already been arrested and would soon face prosecution.
“This land was allocated to various embassies since 2008. Somebody just came here, took the land and started developing it without approval from the authorities.
I have directed that every building standing on this land be brought down,” he said.
According to the minister, the disputed plots were previously assigned for residential purposes to several diplomatic missions, including those representing Palestine, Somalia, Thailand, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal, Syria, Japan and Bulgaria.
Wike maintained that the decision to remove the illegal structures was aimed at safeguarding government assets and ensuring strict adherence to the Abuja master plan.
“The developer, Alhaji Kabiru Sahara has been arrested and the police are carrying out investigations. He will be charged to court any moment from now,” Wike added.
The minister further emphasized that the current administration would continue to enforce planning regulations in the FCT and would not hesitate to act firmly against individuals or groups involved in unlawful land occupation or development.
