Wike orders demolition of estates built on Abuja recreational land

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken decisive action against a developer accused of converting a designated recreational park into a housing estate in Guzape, Abuja

The move followed findings that the land, originally reserved for leisure use under the city’s master plan, had been illegally developed into residential buildings. Authorities have since marked all structures on the site for demolition.

“This place was given for park and recreation, not for the development of an estate. Nobody will allow that,” Wike said.

The minister made the remarks on Monday while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects across the FCT, stressing that the administration would not condone any breach of land-use regulations.

He warned that some developers take advantage of perceived loopholes, believing illegal constructions may eventually be approved by future governments.

“People think the government will come and go and they will continue what they are doing. We will not allow that here. It does not matter who is involved; we will do the right thing.

“An armed robber cannot operate without someone linking him. There must be collaborators somewhere. In some cases, civil servants may be involved, but that will not stop us from doing what is right.”

Wike also pointed to a recent enforcement exercise where the FCT Administration demolished buildings erected on plots meant for foreign embassies, revealing that the affected diplomatic missions had been contacted to reclaim and develop their lands.

He further admitted that some illegal approvals may involve officials within government agencies, insisting that such actions would be investigated and addressed.

“For instance, before development control can give approval for a building, the owner must present a certificate of occupancy (C-of-O). If there is no C-of-O, how was approval granted? These are some of the problems we face,” he explained.

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