Wike To Reclaim Diplomatic Lands, Orders Demolition Of Illegal Structures

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate demolition of buildings illegally constructed on lands officially allocated to foreign missions in Katampe Extension in the territory.

The action targets plots within the Diplomatic Zone originally designated for embassies and critical infrastructure.

During an inspection tour of projects in Abuja yesterday, Wike expressed outrage over the brazen land invasion, directing the Department of Development Control to remove all unauthorised structures.

He revealed that an individual had encroached on land officially allocated on March 18, 2008, to several embassies for residential purposes, as well as a portion reserved for a Power Holding Company of Nigeria power station.

“This land was allocated to various embassies. Somebody just came here, took the land and started developing it on his own without approval from the FCDA. We cannot allow this kind of land invasion to continue,” he said.

The minister identified the affected diplomatic missions as including those of Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal and Palestine.

He confirmed that the FCT Administration had begun notifying these missions to formally take possession of their allocated plots, and that legal action was underway against the perpetrator.

“The man has been arrested and he will be charged to court. The police are carrying out their investigation and he will be charged any moment from now,” he said.

The demolition order came as Wike inspected several ongoing infrastructure projects across the capital, including key road works linking Wuse to the Central Area, a road near the Body of Benchers complex, the Tungan-Madaki road off the airport corridor, and upgrade works around the city gate.

Earlier, Wike inspected several road and infrastructure projects across Abuja, including road works linking Wuse to the Central Area, a route near the Body of Benchers complex, and the Tungan-Madaki road off the airport corridor.

He said many of the projects would be completed in time for inauguration during the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in office.

“This infrastructure drive is part of efforts to open up new communities and improve connectivity across the capital,” Wike said.