- FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has ordered the immediate demolition of illegal structures built on land allocated to foreign embassies in the Katampe Extension diplomatic zone, Abuja.
- The land, originally allocated in 2008 to missions including Japan, Thailand, and Austria, was allegedly seized by an illegal developer who commenced construction without FCDA approval.
- The suspected developer has been arrested and is currently facing police investigation ahead of a planned court prosecution.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is set for another round of major demolitions as Minister Nyesom Wike moves to reclaim land belonging to various foreign diplomatic missions.
Eko Hot Blog reports that speaking on Friday, March 13, 2026, during an inspection tour of infrastructure projects, Wike condemned the “land invasion” in the Katampe Extension area, where an unauthorized developer had reportedly begun erecting residential buildings on plots reserved for embassies.
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According to the Minister, the plots were originally allocated on March 18, 2008, specifically for the residential use of various foreign missions.
Among the affected nations and organizations are Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO). Additionally, a portion of the site had been designated for a Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) 132/133KV power station to support the area’s utility needs.
“Somebody just came here, took the land, and started developing it on their own without approval from the FCDA,” Wike stated.
He emphasized that the FCT Administration (FCTA) would not tolerate such blatant disregard for urban planning and international protocols.
Consequently, he has directed the Department of Development Control to pull down every building standing on the disputed plots.
The Minister confirmed that the suspected illegal developer has been apprehended by the police. “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,” Wike added.
He also noted that the affected embassies would be formally notified to take possession of their original plots once the site is cleared of the illegal structures.
Beyond the land dispute, the Minister’s tour covered several high-priority road projects, including the route linking Wuse to the Central Area and the Tungan-Madaki road near the airport corridor.
Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of these works, stating his confidence that many will be ready for inauguration by May 2026, marking the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
This latest move reinforces Wike’s reputation for strictly enforcing the Abuja Master Plan, a policy that has seen both applause for restoring order and criticism from affected property owners.
For the diplomatic community, however, the action serves as a reassurance of the government’s commitment to protecting international interests within the capital.
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