The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has justified the recent demolition of 11 duplexes in Abuja’s Dutse District, stressing that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will continue to enforce planning regulations without compromise.
Wike made the remarks on Friday during an inspection visit to Plot 189, Cadastral Zone B14, Dutse District, the site of the demolished buildings, which, according to him, belongs to the Nigerian Police Force.
The FCTA had, on Thursday, pulled down the structures, explaining that they were erected beneath high-tension power lines and along a natural stream channel, both of which violate Abuja’s development guidelines.
Director of Development Control, Muktar Galadima, who supervised the exercise, said approval for the project was earlier denied but construction continued in defiance of several stop-work notices. He added that his office would recommend the allocation of an alternative site to the Police.
Speaking at the site, Wike described the development as “unfortunate” and said he would brief the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on the incident.
“It’s unfortunate. I received a report yesterday from Development Control that they had to intervene to stop ongoing construction under a high-tension line. This is unacceptable. It’s being built by the Nigerian Police, but I’m sure the IG may not be aware. We’ll take it up with the appropriate authority,” Wike said.
He reiterated that the FCT Administration was duty-bound to uphold the law. “Government exists to enforce rules, not to break them,” he added.
The Minister further confirmed that the Police had applied for development approval, which was rejected due to safety concerns. Despite this, construction reportedly continued, leading to Thursday’s demolition.
“They applied for approval, but Development Control said no and rightly so. Look at where the high-tension line is. They were told to stop, but they refused. The officials went there to enforce compliance and were even arrested by the Police during the exercise,” Wike stated.
He maintained that no entity, including government agencies, is above the law. “Even if there was no high-tension line, once approval is denied, you have no right to proceed. Development in the FCT must follow due process,” the Minister said.
