Encroachment Of Land Allocated To Embassies Must Stop — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Nyesom Wike, has ordered the demolition of illegal structures erected on land originally allocated to foreign embassies in Abuja.

Wike gave the directive during an inspection around the Diplomatic zone of Katampe Extension where a private developer allegedly encroached on land designated for diplomatic use without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

Wike who vowed to restore order to land administration in Abuja, said the FCTA has repeatedly warned against encroachment on government land, particularly within the diplomatic zone of the capital city.

He hinted that the land had been officially allocated to several foreign missions since 2008 for the development of residential facilities for embassy staff, while a portion was also reserved for the Power Holding Company of Nigeria for a 132/133KV power station.

According to him, the plots were assigned to embassies including the Palestine Liberation Organization, Somalia, Thailand, Austria, Serbia and Montenegro, Switzerland, Senegal, Syria, Japan and Bulgaria, warned that land invasion in the diplomatic district will no longer be tolerated.

“This land here has been given to various embassies. The allocations were made in 2008. But our people sometimes believe nothing will happen. Somebody just came here, took the land and started developing it on his own without approval from the FCDA.

The minister noted that officials from the Department of Development Control were deployed to the site to enforce the law and ensure that illegal construction activities are halted.

“We cannot allow this. This land invasion must stop. The land was allocated to foreign embassies for their residential areas. It will be very unfortunate for us to fold our hands and say because the place has already been developed we should allow it,” Wike said.

Wike disclosed that he had directed authorities to immediately demolish every structure erected on the disputed land, stressing that the government would formally notify the affected embassies to take possession of their allocated plots.

“I have taken swift action. I have told them to bring down every building standing on this land. We are also writing to the embassies to start taking over the land,” he added.

Responding to questions from journalists on whether those responsible for the illegal development would face prosecution, the minister confirmed that the suspect had already been arrested.

“Of course, the man has been arrested and he will be charged to court. The police are carrying out investigations and he will be charged to court any moment from now,” Wike said.

The Minister had earlier inspected several road and infrastructure projects across Abuja, including the road linking Wuse zone 3 to the Central Area, Body of Benchers complex, the city gate and the Tungan-Madaki road off the airport corridor.

He assured that all the projects inspected would be completed in time for inauguration during the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in office.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji