FCTA Halts Illegal Development In River Park Estate, Demolishes 30 Structures

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has moved decisively to dismantle over 30 unauthorised structures at River Park Estate in Abuja, citing significant violations of planning regulations.

The FCTA’s intervention targeted developers who continued construction despite the revocation of their lease agreements. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had previously inaugurated an ad-hoc committee on August 8, 2024, to address the ongoing controversies surrounding the estate.

Barr. Salman Dako, the committee’s leader, presented its findings last week, highlighting the need to reclaim undeveloped plots to maintain proper administrative control as stipulated in the Development Lease Agreement (DLA).

However, the committee directed that holders of previous ‘customary’ titles, whose plots fall within the River Park Estate boundaries and who have developed in accordance with applicable regulations, “be permitted to retain their titles.” This recommendation aligns with a subsisting court judgement referenced in the report.

The director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, who led enforcement officers to the site on Wednesday, said the action followed reports that developers were working day and night to circumvent the directive.

“About a week ago, there was an event at the Honourable Minister’s office where two committees submitted their reports. One of the committees was on issues surrounding the River Park Estate development, and one of the recommendations was that all undeveloped plots within the estate be reverted to the FCT Administration.

“We received a report that certain developers were working hurriedly, day and night, to develop some of the vacant plots. As an agency, we served them a stop-work notice. This morning, we came and found them working, which is why we are removing the structures, the excavations and all other structures put on the ground,” he explained.

He disclosed that over 30 foundations had been excavated and insisted they would be filled in.

“We will remove any structure we find on site. This is just the beginning. Luckily, they are just at the excavation level, but wherever we see any new development, we will remove it,” he warned.

When asked about claims that Paulo Homes was behind the development, Galadima said the matter would be clarified by the legal secretariat.

“From the report submitted by the committee, it appears the Development Lease Agreement has already expired,” he explained.

He added that further illegal construction would not be tolerated. “Over 30 foundations have been excavated, so we’re going to backfill them all. Should there be any new construction, it will be removed again,” he said, noting that prosecution could follow.

“The legal secretariat is in a better position to determine the next line of action. There could be prosecution. We are definitely expecting that people will cry out; that is natural.”

One of the affected residents, Pastor Chimdi Obwe, who lives in the adjoining Ciarudi area, said he had been denied access to his home and had lost part of his property.

“I was stopped from accessing my house for a long time. Because of this activity, the exit they gave us was suddenly blocked. My children and I had to go through a great ordeal. My fence was demolished, and now I can’t access our cars; we are all packed out. That is the problem,” he said.