Federal Capital Territory Minister Cracks Down on Illegal Land Grabbers

In a move to tackle the menace of land grabbing in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern directive to security agencies to provide maximum security to the FCT Administration’s team tasked with demolishing illegal properties in Sabon Lugbe.

During a visit to the demolition site on Tuesday, Mr. Wike emphasized the need for the security agencies to ensure that all threats around the areas are removed to pave the way for the demolition team to carry out their work without any hindrance. The minister was accompanied by the Guards Brigade Commander, Director of FCT Security Services Department, Commissioner of Police, FCT, Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other FCTA officials.

The FCTA Department of Development Control began demolishing illegal buildings on lands that were illegally acquired by land grabbers on October 17. A total of 50 duplexes and bungalows are being demolished to ensure total recovery of the land. Mr. Wike expressed dismay that the investors moved into the site and commenced development without relevant approvals, insisting that all land must be recovered from the grabbers.

The minister challenged the developers who claimed to have acquired necessary approvals to come forward with the documents. “The FCT Administration will not condone any act of illegal acquisition of lands and contravention of procedures for development,” he emphasized.

According to Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, who led the exercise, the structures were illegally erected by land grabbers without approval of appropriate authorities. The illegal construction in the southwest area of Sabon Lugbe was part of Phase 5 District of the Federal Capital City, FCC. Mr. Galadima warned that the department would take action against land grabbers in the area and advised people against buying any property without due diligence to ensure its legality.

The demolition exercise is a significant step in the FCT Administration’s efforts to restore order and sanity to the city’s land allocation and development process. With the minister’s directive, the security agencies are expected to provide adequate protection to the demolition team to ensure the successful recovery of the illegally acquired land.