The collapse of a two-storey building under construction in the Jikwoyi area of Abuja has once again brought the issue of unregulated developments in the Federal Capital Territory into sharp focus, with authorities moving swiftly to enforce accountability.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the arrest and prosecution of the building owner, describing the incident as a direct consequence of disregard for laid-down construction procedures.
The structure, reportedly being developed for hotel use, caved in while still under construction, leaving several workers injured but recording no fatalities.
During an on-site inspection, the minister disclosed that the project had no official approval from the relevant authorities, particularly the Development Control Department, raising serious concerns about compliance with building regulations in the capital city.
He noted that despite receiving a stop-work notice from regulatory officials, the developer continued construction, a move he said ultimately led to the collapse. According to him, the absence of approval meant that the quality of materials and structural integrity of the building were never verified by authorities.
In response, the FCT Administration has revoked the land allocation covering about 2,500 square metres and announced plans to take over the site for public use, subject to consultation with the host community.
The minister warned that the government would no longer tolerate illegal construction activities, stressing that any structure erected without proper approval would be demolished to prevent loss of lives and protect urban planning standards. 
He also directed officials of Development Control to intensify enforcement by not only issuing notices but taking decisive action against non-compliant buildings across the territory.
The incident adds to growing concerns about building safety in Abuja, where rapid urban expansion has increasingly clashed with enforcement gaps, leading to repeated cases of structural failure. Analysts say stricter monitoring and compliance mechanisms will be critical in preventing future occurrences.
