The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has restated the administrationās firm stance against illegal land occupation in Abuja, warning that the government will not tolerate land-grabbing in the nationās capital.
Speaking to journalists on Friday in Abuja, the minister addressed the issue after inspecting a demolition site within the Diplomatic Zone in Katampe Extension. The land, originally allocated in 2008 for the residential quarters of several foreign embassies, had reportedly been illegally developed without approval from the authorities.
The embassies affected by the encroachment include those of Japan, Thailand, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Austria, Senegal, and the Palestine Liberation Organization.
According to Nyesom Wike, the land was specifically reserved for diplomatic use, and the administration acted swiftly once it discovered that a private developer had begun construction without authorization from the FCT Administration.
He stated that the Development Control Department had been directed to remove all structures on the site, stressing that investment already made by the developer would not prevent enforcement of the law.
The minister also revealed that the individual responsible for the illegal development, identified as Alhaji Kabiru Sahara, has been arrested and will face criminal charges as part of efforts to deter similar violations.
Beyond enforcement activities, Nyesom Wike inspected several major infrastructure projects across the capital city. He noted that many of the ongoing works are progressing according to schedule and are expected to be completed by May 2026 for inauguration during the third anniversary of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
One of the projects visited was the road connecting Tunga Madaki community near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Following updates from contractors, the minister directed that the road be extended to link directly with Zuba in order to improve connectivity and ease access to the city.
The minister also inspected the Transit Way N2 project, which includes two bridges linking the Wuse district to the Central Business District, as well as the access road connecting the Body of Benchers complex to the Nile University of Nigeria area within the cityās Institution and Research District.
During the tour, Nyesom Wike also assessed ongoing redesign and beautification works at the Abuja City Gate. The project, he said, was initiated by Nigeriaās First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to improve the visual appeal of the capitalās main entrance for visitors arriving from the airport.
He added that the construction firm Julius Berger has assured the administration that the project will be completed by May 2026, contributing to efforts to present Abuja as a modern and globally competitive capital city.