The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has expressed regret over the recent public standoff between its officials and armed officers of the Nigerian Navy, which drew widespread attention on social media. At the centre of the dispute was a land development in Gaduwa District, linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).
Senior FCTA officials, speaking to journalists after Thursday’s FCT Executive Committee meeting, apologised directly to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for the confrontation that occurred on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. At the same time, they insisted that the disputed land development was illegal and that the claimants held no valid legal title.
The Director of the Department of Development Control, Tpl Mukhtar Galadima, provided a detailed account of the incident and the sequence of events that led to the tense standoff. He recounted that on October 17, 2025, FCTA monitoring staff observed construction activities within the Southern Parkway corridor. When officials inquired about the required approvals, they were allegedly met with resistance and threats of violence by armed naval personnel on site.
“What was eventually provided was merely a letter of intent issued in 2007 by the Department of Parks and Recreation, not a formal approval,” Galadima said. “As a lawyer, I explained the clear difference between submission and approval, and informed them that commencing development without proper approval is illegal.”
He added that the presence of armed personnel at the site raised safety concerns, prompting him to seek the immediate intervention of Minister Wike. “We noticed the impending danger because armed men were strategically positioned, ready to shoot. Seeing this, I sent a distress call to the Honourable Minister,” Galadima said. “I want to sincerely apologise to the Honourable Minister for dragging him into this situation, and indeed to all Nigerians for what happened.”
Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the Director of Lands Administration, provided clarity on the legal position of the claimants. He emphasised that in the FCT, statutory right of occupancy is the only recognised form of land title, while a letter of intent does not confer legal ownership.
“The claimants have relied on a letter of intent issued by the Department of Parks and Recreation in 2007, 18 years ago. Letter of intent is not a statutory right of occupancy,” Nwankwoeze said. “They did not develop or complete development on the site within one year as required. Beyond not having title, in Abuja you cannot build anything without approval of the plans submitted to ensure compliance with the master plan.”
The officials said the enforcement action was necessary to uphold the FCT Act of 1976 and the Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992, which are designed to protect the integrity of Abuja’s master plan and ensure orderly development in the city.
Abuja, as Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, operates under strict land management and planning laws. The FCT Act of 1976 gives the administration authority over land allocation and urban development. Similarly, the Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992 regulates construction and ensures that all developments comply with approved master plans.
Land disputes are not uncommon in the FCT, where high-profile individuals sometimes claim ownership or seek to develop land without proper statutory rights. Enforcement officers routinely monitor developments to prevent illegal construction and protect public interest. However, confrontations can occur when powerful individuals are involved, as was the case with the Gaduwa District standoff.
The incident drew attention after a video went viral showing Minister Wike in a tense exchange with naval officers. The public reaction included debates on social media over enforcement methods and the involvement of a top government official in such confrontations.
While some criticised the FCTA for escalating the situation, others defended the agency, noting that it has a duty to prevent illegal developments that could compromise Abuja’s urban planning. The FCTA’s apology was described as a professional gesture to the Minister, while officials maintained that the legality of the land development was the main issue.
“This was not a political matter. It was about protecting the law and ensuring that Abuja develops according to the approved master plan,” Galadima explained. “Our enforcement action was purely administrative and legal.”
FCTA officials stressed that the Gaduwa incident highlights the need for all landowners and developers in Abuja to adhere strictly to legal procedures. They warned that no individual, regardless of status, is exempt from the rules governing land ownership and construction in the FCT.
“Development in the Federal Capital Territory is controlled for a reason. It is to ensure safety, proper planning, and orderly growth,” Nwankwoeze said. “We hope that this incident will serve as a reminder to everyone that legal approvals must be obtained before commencing any development.”
The FCTA said it will continue routine monitoring of land and construction activities, and it encouraged residents to report illegal developments to prevent future conflicts. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the law while ensuring the safety of all involved in enforcement operations.
