Overnight Constructions Fall As FCTA Enforce Wike’s Directive On Reclaimed Plots At River Park Estate

Dr. Nafisat Makinde, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Wednesday stormed River Park Estate, demolishing structures that had sprung up overnight on plots reclaimed by the government.

The move followed an order by FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, who approved recommendations from a committee investigating land disputes in the estate. The committee found that several plots had reverted to government ownership after their lease terms expired.

Director of the Development Control Department, Town Planner Mukhtar Galadima, said the exercise became necessary after some developers attempted to outsmart authorities by mobilizing construction crews to site late on Tuesday night.

“Despite official warnings, about 30 developers moved to the expired plots and started building. This is a clear violation, and the administration will not tolerate it,” Galadima stated.

Bulldozers rolled into the estate along Umar Musa Yar’Adua Expressway early Wednesday, pulling down the illegal structures in what officials described as part of efforts to restore order to Abuja’s land administration system.

The demolition has once again highlighted the recurring tension between private developers and the FCT Administration over compliance with the Abuja master plan, with authorities warning that other expired plots across the city may also be reclaimed.