The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has doubled down on his commitment to demolish illegal structures in Abuja, dismissing allegations of land grabbing and pledging to enforce urban planning laws without fear or favour
Speaking on Thursday during the distribution of operational vehicles to security agencies at the FCTA Secretariat, Wike defended the Federal Capital Development Authority’s (FCDA) actions, stating that the demolition exercise targets properties built on government land without proper authorisation.
“Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and residents of Abuja, we are not afraid of blackmail,” Wike declared.
“There are so many land grabbers. Some of us have come to put our feet down. Let heaven fall. It is even better that heaven comes down now so that we would not be fasting again to go to heaven.”
LEADERSHIP reports that the FCTA intensified efforts in recent months to remove illegal developments in estates and informal settlements, citing security risks and encroachment on government land. Despite protests and public backlash, Wike remained resolute, emphasising the need to uphold the law.
“We would stop anybody who thinks they will take government land for whatever reason without formal approval,” Wike said.
“We would not look at your face. If you like, be a civil rights activist or a television personality. What is wrong is wrong; no amount of blackmail can stop us.”
Wike further accused some individuals of exploiting government property without proper documentation, vowing to continue the crackdown on such practices.
The demolitions have sparked national debate, prompting the Senate to intervene on Thursday. Following a motion sponsored by Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the FCT senatorial district, the Senate directed an investigative committee to probe the legality and humanitarian impact of the demolitions.
Kingibe described the demolitions as “troubling” and urged immediate action to halt them. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin will lead the committee, which was expected to examine the broader implications of the FCDA’s actions.
Wike has been summoned to appear before the committee to clarify the rationale behind the exercise.
The minister’s actions sparked broader debates over land use, urban planning, and governance in the nation’s capital. While some residents praised the government’s resolve to enforce order, critics argued that the demolitions disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.