Wike demolition embassy land Abuja as FCT minister orders removal of illegal structures built on plots allocated to foreign diplomatic missions

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the demolition of buildings constructed on land originally allocated to foreign embassies in the diplomatic zone of Katampe Extension in Abuja.

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Wike described the structures as illegal and said they would not be allowed to remain.

The minister made the remarks on Friday while addressing journalists during an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory.

During the tour, Wike inspected several road and infrastructure projects, including the route linking Wuse to the Central Area, a road near the Body of Benchers complex, and the Tungan-Madaki road off the airport corridor.

He expressed confidence that several of the projects would be completed in time for activities marking the third anniversary of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking on the illegal structures occupying embassy land, Wike explained that the plots were originally allocated on March 18, 2008, to various diplomatic missions for residential use.

According to him, the land was later taken over by an illegal developer who began construction without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority.

“This land was allocated to various embassies in 2008. Somebody just came here, took the land, and started developing it on their own without approval from the FCDA. We cannot allow this kind of land invasion to continue,” he said.

The minister listed the diplomatic missions affected to include Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal and the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

He added that part of the land had also been reserved for the Power Holding Company of Nigeria for a 132/133KV power station.

Wike said the FCT Administration had directed the Department of Development Control to demolish all structures on the land and restore it to its original purpose.

“I have told them to bring down every building standing on this land,” the minister said.

He added that the affected diplomatic missions would be formally notified to take possession of their allocated plots.

Wike further disclosed that the suspected developer responsible for the construction had been arrested and would soon be prosecuted.

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“The man has been arrested and he will be charged in court. The police are carrying out their investigation and he will be charged any moment from now,” he said.