Wike Orders Demolition of Abuja Properties Built on Fraudulently Acquired Lands

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has directed authorities to demolish buildings erected on lands obtained through forged allocation documents, warning land grabbers in Abuja that the administration will no longer tolerate illegal developments.

Wike issued the directive on Tuesday during the official flag-off of the construction of service carriageways along the Southern Parkway, a major road project extending from Arterial Road S20 (Oladipo Diya Way) to Ring Road II in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the minister, investigations by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) revealed instances where individuals allegedly falsified land allocation papers and commenced construction on plots that were never legally assigned to them.

He stressed that any structure built on such illegally acquired land would be pulled down without hesitation.

During the event, Wike also expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of the Acting Director of Development Control, instructing the Head of Service to deliver a strong warning to the official.

The minister stated that the acting director’s chances of being confirmed as a substantive director could be jeopardized if he failed to demonstrate commitment to his duties.

Wike noted that senior officials were expected to attend government activities and actively supervise development projects across the territory.

He said the responsibility for approving directorship appointments rested with him and warned that negligence or lack of presence at official engagements would not be overlooked.

The minister further directed the Department of Development Control to intensify enforcement efforts against illegal developments and unauthorized land occupation throughout the FCT.

Reaffirming the administration’s stance, Wike instructed officials to immediately target developments linked to fraudulent land claims.

He declared that all structures built on lands obtained through forged documents should be demolished, insisting that proper enforcement of planning regulations would promote order and protect public interest.

Wike disclosed that the government frequently encounters cases where individuals suddenly present questionable ownership documents whenever major infrastructure projects are about to begin.

He maintained that such tactics would no longer succeed under the current administration.

The minister therefore ordered the Department of Development Control to collaborate closely with the Department of Lands to verify genuine ownership records and identify unlawful developments.

He reiterated that anyone constructing on land not officially allocated to them was wasting resources because the structures would ultimately be removed.

Wike concluded by urging the Acting Director of Development Control and other relevant officials to take their responsibilities seriously and ensure strict compliance with Abuja’s land administration and development regulations.