Wike Demolishes Structures On Guzape Green Area

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has ordered the demolition of illegal structures in Guzape district of Abuja, with a stern warning that violations of the Abuja master plan will not be tolerated.

Wike gave the warning in Abuja during a vistt to Guzape, where a developer allegedly erected structures on land originally designated as a green area.

Wike explained that the attempt of developers to convert green area into a residential estate, is a breach of the land use act.

“This place was given as a green area. But from what you have seen now, they wanted to develop it to an estate, which is in violation… So we had to demolish it, and we are also going to withdraw whatever approval he has.

“This is because it was not given to him to develop an estate. It was for green area, with passive or active recreation, but not an estate. And nobody would allow that.”

Addressing concerns about security in satellite towns within the FCT, the minister dismissed claims that banditry was widespread in Abuja, while acknowledging that isolated criminal incidents can occur in any major city.

“I don’t believe about banditry. I don’t believe; there’s no banditry in Abuja… there’s nowhere in this world, be it any developed country, that there’s no form of crime.”

He urged residents to recognize the efforts of security agencies, noting that many crimes are prevented without public awareness.

“I think we should commend the security agencies, and they will continue to improve.”

Wike stressed that the FCT Administration would continue to enforce development regulations to protect the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan.

The minister also referred to a recent enforcement action involving land originally allocated to diplomatic missions, which had been illegally taken over by developers.

According to him, the structures on the land were demolished and the affected embassies have been notified to reclaim and develop their properties.

“We have demolished the buildings and have written to the embassies, that they can go back and develop their land. But that’s what we are supposed to do.”

On the cost implications of such demolitions, Wike explained that enforcement actions form part of governance responsibilities and are necessary to maintain order in the capital city.

“Well, that’s part of governance. What would you do? You want to write to them to come and pay? No. We have already taken action. It’s part of the cost you see in governance. There’s nothing we can do.”

The minister also acknowledged the possibility of collusion between some developers and certain government officials in carrying out illegal developments.

However, he emphasized that such challenges would not deter the administration from taking decisive action.

“Let us not pretend, all of us know. An armed robber cannot go to a place where there are no people linking the armed robber. There must be a clue. There must be somebody very close.” Wike said

Wike also highlighted the importance of road connectivity to the broader transportation strategy of the Federal Capital Territory, noting that a functional transport system depends largely on a well-developed road network.

“For you to say that to have a smooth transport system means that you have connectivity and a good road infrastructure.”

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji