he Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has directed the demolition of an estate built on land originally allocated for park and recreation in the Guzape district of Abuja.
The decision followed the discovery of the development during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects carried out by the minister across the Federal Capital Territory on Monday, March 16, 2026.
During the inspection, Wike found that the land, which had been designated for park and recreation purposes, had been converted into a residential estate by a developer. He said the Federal Capital Territory Administration would revoke any approval earlier granted to the developer and remove the illegal structures already standing on the site.
The minister explained that the government would enforce the city’s planning laws to protect the original design of Abuja. According to him, the administration would not allow individuals or companies to alter the use of land in ways that violate the city’s development plan.
The structures built on the land have already been marked for demolition as part of enforcement activities by development control authorities.
Wike also said that developers often ignore land-use regulations because they assume that government officials will eventually leave office and the projects would later be approved. He stated that the current administration would not allow such practices to continue and would ensure that planning rules are followed regardless of the individuals involved.
While discussing the issue, the minister referred to another recent action taken by the government against illegal developments in the Katampe district of Abuja. In that case, buildings constructed on land reserved for foreign embassies were pulled down. He said the government had already contacted the affected diplomatic missions and encouraged them to reclaim their properties and begin development.
The minister added that some illegal projects occur because certain developers take advantage of administrative gaps or work with individuals within government agencies to secure approvals that do not follow planning regulations. He stated that the administration would continue to address such problems while enforcing existing development laws.
According to Wike, funds have already been set aside to support development control operations in the Federal Capital Territory, including the removal of structures built in violation of approved land use.
Despite the enforcement activities, the minister said the inspection tour was mainly conducted to check the progress of several road projects expected to be inaugurated during the third anniversary of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
One of the projects inspected was the road network connecting Renewed Hope City in Karsana to Kubwa, which is being constructed by Lubrik Construction Company. Wike said the contractor had made good progress on the project and the road was expected to be ready for commissioning soon.
He also visited the Arterial N16 interchange project linking Ring Road Two and Ring Road Three around the Jahi and Gwarimpa areas of Abuja. The minister expressed satisfaction with the work done so far and said the contractor was working toward completing the project before the end of May.
Another project inspected during the tour was the Airport Road to Kuje highway being handled by Arab Contractors. Construction work on a major bridge along the route is currently ongoing, with workers installing the final beam. Wike said the road would improve movement between the city centre and the Kuje Area Council once completed.
The minister also visited a 13-kilometre road project connecting Kuje Area Council and Gwagwalada. The project is being carried out by Gilmore Construction Company. He explained that the project had been divided into two sections of about 6.5 kilometres each, with work already progressing on both segments.
The contractor has promised to complete the first phase soon while work continues on the remaining part.
Wike explained that road development remains a key part of the government’s transportation plan for the Federal Capital Territory. According to him, improved road connections would make movement easier for residents and allow people to live in surrounding communities while working in the city.
He said the administration would continue to enforce land-use regulations while also providing infrastructure that supports transportation and development across the Federal Capital Territory.