Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to immediately suspend planned demolition activities on Plot 5334 in Maitama, Abuja, pending a review of the land allocation and its potential impact on public infrastructure and neighbouring properties.
The organisation raised concerns over the alleged allocation of the land to a private developer for residential construction, warning that the move could pose environmental and public safety risks and violate the Abuja Master Plan.
According to Amnesty International, Plot 5334, located in Cadastral Zone A06, Maitama, is a green area designated as a utility corridor containing underground stormwater and sewage drainage infrastructure constructed by Julius Berger Plc between 2012 and 2014.
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The infrastructure was reportedly designed to control flooding in Maitama and protect surrounding properties from water-related damage.
The organisation argued that allowing private residential development on the corridor could interfere with the drainage system, increase the risk of flooding and threaten the safety of nearby buildings and public infrastructure.
Amnesty International said the matter had been raised repeatedly through administrative petitions, adding that legal and alternative dispute resolution processes were still ongoing.
It disclosed that a court case had been instituted, with an application for an interlocutory injunction seeking to prevent private development on the plot and protect neighbouring properties until the substantive suit is determined.
The organisation also revealed that an alternative dispute resolution process before the FCT Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee was nearing completion.
Furthermore, it stated that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had inspected the site and confirmed that the land was reserved for an infrastructure corridor.
Despite these ongoing processes, Amnesty International said the Director of Development Control issued a demolition notice dated October 9, 2026, targeting protective boundary structures along the corridor.
The group warned that proceeding with the demolition before resolving the outstanding legal and technical questions could undermine due process and expose neighbouring properties and public infrastructure to avoidable dangers.
It added that the proposed development raised particular concerns for surrounding buildings, including its National Office in Abuja, nearby residential properties and national security facilities in the area.
Concerns Over Flooding and Public Safety
On the environmental implications, Amnesty International warned that any obstruction or interference with the existing drainage infrastructure could disrupt stormwater flow and increase flooding risks for residents and other property owners in the area.
The organisation recalled that it had written to Wike and the FCDA in May 2026, expressing concerns that construction on the corridor could affect the structural stability of its building and expose the surrounding area to severe flooding.
It stressed that the potential consequences required a thorough and independent technical assessment before any demolition or construction activity could proceed.
Amnesty International called for an independent evaluation of the corridor to determine its drainage capacity, the possible effects of construction on the infrastructure and the risks posed to neighbouring buildings and public facilities.
It maintained that such an assessment would help establish whether the proposed development could compromise the drainage system or create additional environmental and safety challenges.
Amnesty International Demands Review of Plot Allocation
The organisation urged the FCT Minister and the FCDA to immediately suspend all planned demolition activities on Plot 5334 until the ongoing legal proceedings, alternative dispute resolution process and technical concerns had been addressed.
It also called on the authorities to review the allocation of the plot to the private developer and make relevant records available for public scrutiny.
According to the group, the documents should include the land allocation records, planning approvals, technical assessments and the legal basis for permitting private development on land reportedly reserved for public infrastructure.
Amnesty International further urged the FCT authorities to uphold due process, respect the rule of law and ensure that all parties affected by the dispute have access to justice.
The organisation emphasised that protecting essential public infrastructure must remain a priority, particularly where proposed developments could affect drainage systems, environmental safety and the security of surrounding properties.
It warned that demolition should not proceed while significant questions about the land’s designation, the safety implications of the proposed construction and the ongoing legal processes remain unresolved.
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