The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a demolition order for 24 two-storey buildings reportedly erected without approval on a designated waterway in Abuja’s upscale Guzape District.
The action follows an inspection led by Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), who toured the area with senior officials on Monday. The structures, built by Cityscape Estate on Plot 4851, were flagged for violating development control laws and encroaching on critical environmental buffers.
“These buildings were put up without the proper clearances. It’s a clear breach of Abuja’s planning standards,” Obuah remarked during the visit. He stressed that such actions not only defy the city’s Master Plan but also endanger lives by obstructing natural water flow and creating flood risks.
Obuah stated that demolition machinery had already been mobilised and that the process of removing the structures would begin shortly. He also sounded a warning to other developers considering similar moves: any buildings constructed without valid documentation especially on waterways or road reserves will be taken down without hesitation.
Additionally, Obuah signaled internal accountability, warning that any AMMC staff found to have enabled or overlooked such violations would face disciplinary consequences.
According to Obuah, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has made it clear that restoring order and upholding Abuja’s urban integrity is a top priority, and no violations no matter how well-connected will be tolerated.
During the inspection, one structure was pulled down as a symbolic start, while the developer was granted a two-week window to voluntarily clear out the remaining unapproved buildings. Should the developer fail to act within the timeframe, a full-scale demolition will be carried out at their expense.
Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, noted that the initial land allocation had been partially affected by the proposed S20 road alignment. To address this, an additional parcel was granted as compensation. However, he emphasized that proper building approvals were still mandatory before any construction activity.
A preliminary review showed that the number of structures erected far exceeded the approved limit. According to Mr. Gabriel Musa, Chairman of the FCT Building Contravention Taskforce, only 18 units were sanctioned, yet a total of 42 buildings had been put up.
Responding to the situation, developer Mr. Kadiri Obaidi admitted there were breaches and claimed some of the extra buildings were put up by overzealous estate subscribers. He promised to begin pulling down the illegal structures within the grace period to reclaim any salvageable materials. The council reiterated that the entire cost of the demolition would be borne by the developer.
