A coalition of rights groups, civil society organisations, and the Federation of Informal Workers’ Organisation of Nigeria staged a peaceful demonstration at Abuja’s premier recreational center on Tuesday. Protesters gathered to demand immediate government action regarding the Jabi Lake Park redevelopment scheme. While the demonstrators clarified that they do not oppose upgrading the facility, they urged the authorities to establish a transparent framework, consult with local stakeholders, and ensure social safety nets for displaced traders.
The public demonstration follows an agreement finalized in February 2026 under Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who partnered with Suburban Broadband Limited and Akida Hills Ltd. to upgrade the location under a broader urban renewal scheme. FCT officials maintain the initiative will transition the area into a premier tourist and leisure hub, attracting foreign investments and creating fresh employment channels. However, advocacy networks have raised critical alarms regarding the opacity of the concession process, a distinct lack of community input, and the severe financial blow dealt to hundreds of small business owners.
During the demonstration, Accountability Lab Nigeria Country Director Friday Odeh emphasized that the current framework completely ignores the vulnerability of vulnerable laborers. He noted that the coalition is demanding an immediate release of the signed partnership documentation to allow public scrutiny and informed civic dialogue. Furthermore, Odeh questioned the validity of the procurement process, stating that anti-corruption agencies have been petitioned to investigate how the project was awarded, especially after multiple Freedom of Information requests filed to the FCT administration were ignored.
Echoing these demands, FIWON representative Blessing Yusuf called for a temporary freeze on all structural demolition and fencing operations until comprehensive community town halls and independent environmental audits are executed. She underscored that upcoming developments must guarantee affordable entry for ordinary citizens while offering fair compensation packages to merchants whose livelihoods have already been paralyzed. Established in 2007 under the Abuja Master Plan, the park serves as one of the very few accessible green spaces left for local residents, athletes, and informal workers.
