Wike orders demolition of buildings on embassies’ land in Abuja, developer arrested

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the demolition of buildings constructed illegally on plots originally allocated to foreign missions in the diplomatic zone of Katampe Extension in Abuja.

Wike gave the directive during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory on Friday, instructing the Department of Development Control to remove all unauthorised structures on the affected land.

According to the minister, the land was originally allocated on March 18, 2008, to several diplomatic missions for residential purposes, while a portion was also reserved for the former Power Holding Company of Nigeria to build a 132/133kV power station.

Developer arrested over illegal construction

The FCT Administration discovered that an individual had allegedly taken over the land without official approval and had begun constructing buildings on the property.

Wike said the suspected developer, Kabiru Sahara, has been arrested and will face prosecution after police conclude their investigation.

The minister described the development as an illegal encroachment on land reserved for diplomatic purposes, stressing that the authorities would not tolerate such actions.

The plots affected by the encroachment were originally allocated to diplomatic missions representing several countries and organisations, including Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

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The FCT Administration has since notified the affected diplomatic missions and directed them to take immediate possession of their designated lands.

Inspection of major infrastructure projects

During the tour, Wike also inspected several ongoing infrastructure projects within the territory, including the redesigned Abuja City Gate and the road linking Bill Clinton Drive at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to the Tunga Madaki community, which is expected to extend to Zuba.

He also visited the road connecting Baze University, the Body of Benchers complex, Nile University and the Wupa Light Rail Station in the Idu area of the city.

According to the minister, many of the ongoing projects are being executed by firms including Julius Berger Nigeria, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and Levant Construction.

He added that several of the projects are expected to be inaugurated during the third anniversary of the administration of Bola Tinubu.

Wike said the infrastructure projects form part of the FCT Administration’s broader effort to expand urban development, improve connectivity and open up new communities across the territory.