Fresh Bulldozer Alert: Wike Orders Immediate Demolition Of Abuja Properties

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the demolition of properties allegedly being constructed on lands acquired through forged documents, warning land grabbers operating in Abuja to desist from illegal land acquisition.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Wike issued the directive on Tuesday during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of service carriageways along the Southern Parkway, which stretches from Arterial Road S20 (Oladipo Diya Way) to Ring Road II.

The minister stated that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had uncovered cases in which individuals allegedly used falsified land allocation documents to develop properties on lands that were not lawfully allocated to them.

He also criticised the Acting Director of Development Control for his absence at the event, instructing the Head of Service to convey a strong warning to him.

Wike said the official risked missing out on confirmation as a substantive director if he failed to demonstrate adequate commitment to his duties.

“Let me warn, and I have asked for the Acting Director of Development Control. The Head of Service should inform him that many directors are often absent at official engagements. Now that we are considering his confirmation, he is not present,” Wike said.

He added that performance and attendance at official assignments would be considered in determining his suitability for permanent appointment.

“If he values his position, he must be present at all official activities we undertake,” he said.

The minister further directed him to intensify enforcement against illegal developments across the Federal Capital Territory, stressing that structures built on fraudulently acquired land would be demolished.

“All those land grabbers who have begun construction on illegally acquired plots must have their structures pulled down. The system will function properly, and order will prevail,” he stated.

Wike noted that the administration had repeatedly encountered cases where individuals produced questionable documents to claim ownership of land whenever government projects were about to commence.

He insisted that such practices would no longer be tolerated.

“We have observed that whenever we commence development projects, people who were never allocated land present forged documents. This will not be accepted,” he said.

The minister directed the Department of Development Control to collaborate with the Department of Lands to verify allocations and identify illegal developments for immediate action.

“Both departments must work together to ensure that anyone building on unallocated land is identified, and such structures will be demolished. Let him take his duties seriously,” Wike added.