LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has directed the demolition of structures erected on land originally allocated to foreign embassies in Abuja’s Katampe Extension, describing the development as an unlawful takeover of diplomatic property.
The minister issued the directive on Friday while speaking with journalists during an inspection of key infrastructure projects across the FCT. According to him, the unauthorized buildings violate the original land allocations made to diplomatic missions and will not be permitted to remain.
“I have told them to bring down every building standing on this land,” Wike said, instructing the Department of Development Control under the FCT Administration to clear the site and restore the plots to their designated purpose.
Meanwhile, the inspection tour covered several major infrastructure works within the capital city. These included the road linking Wuse to the Central Area, a route near the Body of Benchers complex, and the Tungan-Madaki road located off the airport corridor.
Wike expressed optimism that many of the ongoing projects would be completed ahead of events marking the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
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Turning to the disputed land, the minister explained that the plots had been allocated on March 18, 2008, to various foreign missions for residential development. He alleged that an individual illegally took possession of the land and commenced construction without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority.
“This land was allocated to various embassies in 2008. Somebody just came here, took the land, and started developing it on their own without approval from the FCDA. We cannot allow this kind of land invasion to continue,” he said.
Diplomatic missions affected by the development include those of Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal, and the Palestine Liberation Organization. Part of the area had also been designated for the former national utility, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, for a planned 132/133KV power station.
Authorities have already taken action against the suspected developer. Wike confirmed that the individual behind the project had been arrested and would soon face prosecution.
“The man has been arrested and he will be charged in court. The police are carrying out their investigation and he will be charged any moment from now,” he said.
Efforts by the FCT Administration are expected to return the disputed land to the affected diplomatic missions once the illegal structures are removed, reinforcing the government’s stance against unauthorized land development within the nation’s capital.
