The ongoing demolition exercise in Abuja has sparked widespread protests, with victims claiming it is worsening their hardships.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has confirmed that more than 20,432 structures were demolished in 2024.
Tpl. Mukhtar Usman Galadima, Director of the Department of Development Control, announced the figures at an award event for staff, explaining that the demolitions were aimed at preserving the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan.
However, many residents affected by the demolitions have condemned the move, describing it as poorly timed and harsh.
The administration of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has focused heavily on generating revenue through land administration, with a particular emphasis on collecting ground rents and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) fees.
Wike’s administration has also revoked land titles and demolished structures deemed to have been built illegally, or by landowners who failed to develop their properties within the designated time frame.
Two months ago, the FCTA demolished 50 duplexes and bungalows in Sabon Lugbe, which it claimed were unlawfully constructed by land grabbers without proper approval.
However, property developers and part-owners in the area accused the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) of trying to seize their land for redesigning purposes.
Engr. Isaac Omolua, chairman of the Home Builders Association of Nigeria (HBAN), alleged that the FCDA had been intimidating property owners, even vandalizing their properties.
Azuka Biose, a resident of Centenary City, also raised concerns, claiming that the land had initially been marked for public use but later turned out to be privately owned by one individual.
He lamented that after 14 years, residents had not received any compensation or clear plans for the development of the area.
Further complaints arose from residents of the demolished Ruga settlement, who expressed that the FCTA’s actions lacked empathy. Some of the displaced residents said life had become increasingly difficult since the demolitions.
One such resident, Nuaziru Alkali, recalled that the FCT Minister had promised to engage with their representative when visiting the site, but no action had been taken since then.
Protests recently broke out as displaced residents called for accountability from Minister Wike, accusing his task force, “Operation Sweep,” of using excessive force, leaving many people homeless.
The FCTA also halted illegal developments at Apo Zone E, Gudu District, with Mukhtar Galadima warning that allowing unapproved buildings would lead to erosion and flooding in the area.
A separate incident reported that two Hilux vehicles belonging to the FCTA’s Development Control Department were seized by soldiers while attempting to demolish structures in Lugbe.
The vehicles were later driven to a general’s house, and some of the department’s staff were reportedly held hostage by the soldiers.
However, Galadima claimed he had not been briefed on the matter.
In response to growing opposition, leaders from the native communities of the FCT have threatened to mobilize residents and invoke ancestral powers against any official misusing their authority.
They voiced concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of the FCT ministers, calling it undemocratic.
Elder Danjuma Tanko Dara, a representative of the natives, criticized the governance system in the FCT, claiming it lacked democratic representation and accountability.
Legal experts also weighed in, stressing that the government could not seize land without overriding public interest and must follow legal procedures, including giving adequate notice and providing compensation.
While the demolitions continue, Minister Wike has vowed not to be deterred by pressure, including a recent Senate order to halt the demolitions.
During a ceremony to distribute operational vehicles to security agencies, Wike reinforced his stance, claiming that the structures being demolished were built illegally on government land and that he was committed to cracking down on land grabbers.
