The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the demolition of buildings illegally constructed on land belonging to several foreign embassies in Abuja.
Wike gave the directive on Friday while speaking with journalists during an inspection tour of ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, the structures were built without approval on plots originally allocated to diplomatic missions in the Katampe Extension area of the city.
He described the development as an illegal land invasion and warned that the government would not allow individuals or developers to take over land meant for foreign missions.
The minister said all buildings standing on the affected land would be pulled down by officials of the FCT administration.
The land in question is located in the diplomatic zone of Katampe Extension, an area reserved for foreign embassies and diplomatic residences in Abuja.
Wike explained that the plots were allocated to various countries and organisations on March 18, 2008, mainly for residential purposes linked to their diplomatic missions.
However, he said a private developer later took control of the land and began construction activities without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority.
“This land was allocated to embassies in 2008. Somebody just came here, took the land and started developing it without approval,” Wike said.
“We cannot allow this kind of land invasion to continue in the Federal Capital Territory.”
He said the administration had directed the Department of Development Control to remove all illegal structures on the land.
The minister listed several diplomatic missions whose allocated plots were affected by the illegal construction.
They include the embassies of Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland and Senegal.
The land also includes an allocation made to the Palestine Liberation Organisation.
According to the minister, a portion of the area had also been reserved for the former Power Holding Company of Nigeria for the construction of a 132/133KV power station meant to support electricity supply in the area.
Wike said all the affected diplomatic missions would be formally notified so they could take possession of their plots once the illegal structures were removed.
During the inspection, the minister issued a clear directive to officials responsible for enforcing development regulations in Abuja.
“I have told them to bring down every building standing on this land,” he said.
He stressed that the government must protect land designated for diplomatic missions because of its importance to Nigeria’s international relations.
According to him, allowing illegal structures to remain on such land would send the wrong message to foreign governments that have diplomatic ties with Nigeria.
He added that the Federal Capital Territory Administration would restore the land to its original purpose after the demolition.
Wike also revealed that the suspected developer responsible for the illegal construction had already been arrested.
He said the police were investigating the matter and that the suspect would soon face prosecution in court.
“The man has been arrested and he will be charged in court. The police are carrying out their investigation and he will be charged any moment from now,” the minister said.
The FCT minister did not disclose the identity of the suspect but said the government would ensure that those involved in the illegal development face the law.
The issue of the illegal buildings came to light during Wike’s tour of several ongoing infrastructure projects across Abuja.
During the inspection, the minister visited construction sites and reviewed progress on several road projects.
One of the projects inspected was the road linking Wuse to the Central Area of Abuja.
He also visited a road project located near the Body of Benchers complex, as well as the Tungan-Madaki road along the airport corridor.
According to him, the projects are part of efforts by the Federal Capital Territory Administration to improve road networks and reduce traffic problems in the city.
Wike expressed confidence that many of the ongoing projects would be completed in time for the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
President Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, and his third anniversary will be marked in May 2026.
The FCT administration plans to inaugurate several infrastructure projects during the anniversary period.
Wike said the progress seen on many of the projects showed that contractors were working hard to meet deadlines.
“We believe that most of these projects will be ready for inauguration during the anniversary of the President’s administration,” he said.
Illegal construction and land encroachment have remained a major challenge in parts of Abuja over the years.
Several past administrations in the Federal Capital Territory have struggled to stop individuals and developers from building on land without approval.
In some cases, buildings have been erected on land meant for public facilities such as roads, green areas, schools and government institutions.
Urban planning experts say such activities can disrupt the city’s master plan and create long-term development problems.
Abuja was originally designed as a well-planned capital city with clearly defined zones for residential, commercial, diplomatic and government activities.
However, rapid population growth and rising demand for land have led to increasing pressure on available plots.
Officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority are responsible for regulating land use and ensuring that construction projects follow approved plans.
Developers are required to obtain building approvals before starting construction.
They must also follow guidelines on land use, building height and environmental standards.
When developers violate these rules, the Department of Development Control has the authority to seal or demolish such structures.
Wike has repeatedly warned that his administration will strictly enforce development regulations in the Federal Capital Territory.
Since assuming office as FCT minister in 2023, he has ordered several demolitions of buildings said to have violated planning rules.
The minister said protecting land meant for diplomatic missions is especially important because embassies represent foreign governments in Nigeria.
He added that ensuring such land is secure and properly managed helps maintain Nigeria’s reputation as a responsible host country for diplomatic missions.
Wike said the government would continue to monitor land allocations and ensure they are used for the purposes for which they were granted.
He also warned that individuals attempting to illegally occupy or develop government land would face strict consequences.
“Our duty is to protect the land and ensure it is used properly,” he said.
With the planned demolition of the illegal buildings and the prosecution of the suspected developer, the FCT administration says it hopes to send a strong message that unlawful construction will not be tolerated in Abuja.
