The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the demolition of an estate built on land originally designated for a park and recreation centre in Guzape, Abuja.
Wike said the land was wrongly converted into a residential estate by a developer, which contravenes the city’s master plan.
The minister discovered the violation on Monday, March 16, during an inspection tour of several projects across the territory.
He stated that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) would revoke any approval given to the developer and remove all illegal structures on the site.
“This place was given for Park and Recreation, not for the development of an estate. But from what you have seen, they are developing it into an estate, which is a clear violation. We will not allow that,” Wike said.
He stressed that the government would enforce planning laws strictly and ensure Abuja’s development plan is respected.
“People think 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,” he said.
The minister also suggested that some illegal projects succeed due to collaboration between developers and insiders within government agencies.
“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 said.
He added that funds have already been allocated for development control activities, including the demolition of illegal structures in the capital.
During the inspection tour, Wike also reviewed the progress of several road projects expected to be inaugurated during the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
One of the projects is a road network linking Renewed Hope City in Karsana to Kubwa, which he said is progressing well.
He also inspected the Arterial N16 interchange project connecting Ring Road 2 and Ring Road 3 between Jahi and Gwarimpa, describing the work as impressive and noting it should be completed by the end of May.
The minister visited the Airport Road–Kuje highway project, where a major bridge is currently being installed.
“If that road is completed, people will not need to stay in the city. You can live in Kuje, come to work in Abuja and return comfortably,” Wike said.
He also inspected the 13-kilometre road project linking Kuje to Gwagwalada, noting that it has been divided into two sections and the first part may be completed soon.
According to Wike, building more roads is key to improving transport and opening up communities in the Federal Capital Territory.
“You cannot have a good transport system without connectivity and a strong road network. When there is good road infrastructure, transport becomes easy and efficient,” he said.
