Jabi Lake Project: Groups Demand Transparency, Protection for Displaced Workers

Rights groups and civil society organisations led by Accountability Lab Nigeria, the Federation of Informal Workers’ Organisation of Nigeria (FIWON) and the Solidarity Centre, have staged a peaceful protest at Jabi Lake Recreational Park in Abuja.

They called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to ensure transparency in the park’s redevelopment and protect the livelihoods of informal workers affected by the project.

The groups said they were not opposed to the redevelopment but insisted that the process must be transparent, inclusive and accountable.

They urged the FCTA to immediately publish the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in February 2026 with Akida Hills Ltd and Suburban Broadband Limited, arguing that Nigerians have a constitutional right to access agreements involving public assets.

On behalf of the coalition, the country director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odey, questioned the procurement process that led to the selection of the two companies.

He said there was no publicly available evidence of competitive bidding or compliance with due process.

“We are not against the development of this park. We are saying there should be a social protection plan for the informal workers. They have a right to be consulted because this park has been their source of livelihood for many years,” he said.

Odey also called on the FCTA to disclose land ownership records, clarify the status of ground rent payments made by traders over the years, and ensure meaningful consultations with stakeholders before further work continues.

According to him, the coalition has submitted several Freedom of Information (FOI) requests seeking details of the MoU and the procurement process, but has yet to receive any response.

He added that petitions had also been sent to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the FCT Minister, and the National Assembly, urging investigations into the project and greater accountability in the management of public assets.

Also speaking, FIWON representative Blessing Yusuf called for the immediate suspension of demolition, fencing and construction activities pending public consultation and legal review.

“Our demand is the immediate suspension of all demolition, fencing and construction works until there is full public consultation, legal review and transparency around the project,” she said.

Yusuf also demanded an independent Environmental Impact Assessment, guarantees that the park would remain affordable and accessible to the public, and compensation and social protection for traders and small business owners displaced by the redevelopment.

The protest follows the FCTA’s decision to redevelop Jabi Lake Recreational Park as part of its urban renewal programme.

The administration said the project aims to transform the facility into a world-class leisure and tourism destination capable of attracting investment, boosting tourism, and creating jobs.

However, the protesting groups maintained that while they support the redevelopment, the process must safeguard the public interest, uphold transparency, and protect the rights and livelihoods of hundreds of informal workers who have depended on the park for years.