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.

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Rights groups and civil society organisations have protested in Abuja, demanding protection and support for workers displaced by ongoing developments around Jabi Lake. The groups expressed concerns over the impact of the redevelopment activities on vendors, informal workers, and other individuals whose livelihoods depend on economic activities within the area.

During the protest, demonstrators called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to adopt measures that would safeguard affected workers and ensure that redevelopment plans do not leave vulnerable groups without means of livelihood. They argued that urban renewal initiatives should be implemented transparently and inclusively while taking into account the welfare of impacted communities.

The protesters also raised concerns about public access to Jabi Lake and questioned aspects of the redevelopment process, including the relocation of businesses and the future of workers who rely on the area for income generation. They maintained that adequate consultations and social protection measures are necessary to address the concerns of affected individuals.

Civil society groups further called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to ensure that development projects around Jabi Lake align with principles of fairness, environmental sustainability, and economic inclusion. They stressed that protecting jobs and livelihoods should remain a key consideration in any urban redevelopment initiative.

Stakeholders noted that while infrastructure development and urban renewal are essential for city growth, balancing development objectives with social and economic realities is critical to maintaining public confidence and promoting inclusive urban development.

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