The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has directed that an estate constructed on land originally set aside for a park and recreation facility in Guzape, Abuja, be pulled down.
He explained that the land had been illegally converted to residential use by a private developer, a move that violates the Abuja master plan.
Wike uncovered the development on Monday, the 16th of March, while carrying out an inspection of ongoing and completed projects across the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the Federal Capital Territory Administration would withdraw any authorisation granted for the project and clear every structure erected 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.
The minister stated that authorities would apply planning regulations firmly to protect the city’s development blueprint.
“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.
He also pointed out that such illegal developments often occur through the support of individuals within government agencies working with developers.
“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 the administration had already made financial provisions for development control operations, including removing unlawful buildings in the territory.
During the tour, the minister also assessed the pace of several road projects planned for inauguration as part of activities marking the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Among the projects is a road network linking Renewed Hope City in Karsana to Kubwa, which he said is advancing steadily.
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Wike also checked the Arterial N16 interchange linking Ring Road 2 and Ring Road 3 between Jahi and Gwarimpa. He described the progress as encouraging and said completion is expected before the end of May.
Another stop on the tour was the Airport Road–Kuje highway, where work is ongoing on the installation of a major bridge.
“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 further inspected the 13-kilometre road linking Kuje and Gwagwalada. The project has been split into two segments, with the first phase nearing completion.
According to the minister, expanding the road network remains vital for easing movement and opening up communities within the FCT.
“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.