The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning that unauthorized buildings constructed on green spaces within Abuja will face demolition, with no compensation offered to those involved. Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike stressed that encroaching on protected green areas without proper approval is unacceptable and pledged to enforce strict measures.
Wike expressed frustration over the extent of illegal construction on green areas, describing it as a threat to Abuja’s environmental integrity. He recounted a recent visit to Maitama, accompanied by the Director of Land and Development Control, where he observed significant depletion of green zones. “There are no trees left, nothing; the green areas are almost entirely gone,” he noted, condemning unauthorized construction.
The minister emphasized that all land approval authority rests exclusively with him, warning those attempting to bypass official channels that their actions will not be tolerated. “Only the minister can grant approval for construction. If you choose to deal with anyone else, that’s not my responsibility,” Wike stated firmly.
He addressed the confusion often surrounding land allocations in Abuja, pointing out that many so-called approvals are illegitimate, often originating from the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) rather than the FCT authority. Wike highlighted instances where previous officials unlawfully allocated land, undermining the legal authority of the FCT minister. “Ignorance of the law is no excuse,” he stressed, adding that decisions made without official authority are entirely illegal.
Wike also warned civil servants against overstepping their boundaries, clarifying that only the FCT Minister can sign Certificates of Occupancy (C of O). He denounced actions taken by unauthorized officials that complicate legal processes and contribute to land allocation confusion, cautioning, “It is not within a civil servant’s authority to sign on behalf of the minister.”
Referring to a Supreme Court ruling that all land within the FCT falls under its jurisdiction, Wike urged individuals occupying government land to recognize their status violations and seek regularization rather than continuing in defiance. He reiterated his commitment to protecting Abuja’s green spaces and upholding the law, declaring, “We will not allow people to occupy land that does not belong to them. Those who try will face consequences.”
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