Wike Orders Demolition Of Illegal Estate Built On Land Allocated For Park And Recreation In Guzape District, Inspects Ongoing Projects

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced plans by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to revoke approvals granted to a developer who illegally transformed a designated Park and Recreation area in Guzape, Abuja, into a residential estate.

Wike stated that the action followed the discovery of the violation during an inspection tour of ongoing projects across the territory on Monday, March 26, 2026.

He stressed that the administration would strictly enforce planning regulations and ensure that Abuja’s master plan is not compromised.

Wike stated that the action followed the discovery of the violation during an inspection tour of ongoing projects across the territory on Monday the 16th of March, 2026.

He stressed that the administration would strictly enforce planning regulations and ensure that Abuja’s master plan is not compromised.

He explained that the illegal structures had already been marked for demolition, warning that the government would not tolerate deliberate violations of land-use approvals.

He added that, “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 noted that the administration will also withdraw any approval previously granted to the developer, stressing that government would enforce planning regulations regardless of those involved.

He lamented that many developers deliberately flout planning laws because they believe government officials would eventually leave office, allowing them to regularize illegal developments.

According to Wike, “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.”

The Minister who made referenced to a recent demolished illegal structures built on land allocated to foreign embassies in Katampe district, he hinted that the administration had written to the affected diplomatic missions to reclaim and develop their properties.

He stressed that, some developers has taken the advantage of bureaucratic loopholes and sometimes collaborate with insiders within government agencies to obtain approvals for illegal projects.

“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,” he said.

Wike explained that funds are already budgeted for development control activities, including the demolition of illegal structures across the capital city.

Despite the enforcement actions, the minister said the primary purpose of the inspection tour was to assess progress on several major road projects expected to be inaugurated during the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said one of the projects inspected was the road network linking the Renewed Hope City in Karsana to Kubwa, which is being handled by Lubrik Construction.

According to him, the contractor has made significant progress and the project is expected to be ready for inauguration.

Wike also inspected the Arteria N16 interchange project from Ring road 2 to Ring road 3 linking Jahi and Gwarimpa, describing the quality of work as impressive and expressing confidence that the project would be completed by the end of May.

The minister further visited the Airport Road–Kuje highway being constructed by Arab Contractors, where the final beam of a major bridge along the corridor is currently being installed.

He said the project would significantly improve connectivity between Abuja city and Kuje Area Council, enabling residents to commute easily.

“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.

The minister also inspected the ongoing 13 kilometers road project linking Kuje area council to Gwagwalada, being executed by Gilmore Construction company.

He explained that the 13-kilometre road had been divided into two segments of about 6.5 kilometres each, with the contractor promising to deliver the first segment soon while work continues on the second phase.

According to Wike, road construction remains central to the administration’s broader transportation strategy for 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.

The minister reiterated that the administration would continue to enforce planning regulations while delivering infrastructure that improves mobility and opens up communities across the Federal Capital Territory.