Two people have died after a refuse dump collapsed on a building in Ikot Effanga, along Old Odukpani Road in Calabar, Cross River State.

The incident happened in the early hours of Friday, August 28, 2026. The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the deaths in a statement issued on Friday.

Two Occupants Die

Police officers responded to the scene after receiving a report of the collapse. They found that a large refuse dump had fallen onto a building reportedly located within a valley.

The police identified one of the victims as Nfon Imé, a male. The second victim was a woman whose identity remains unknown.

Both victims were inside the building when the refuse collapsed. Rescue efforts later recovered their bodies from the scene.

Police took the bodies to a mortuary, according to the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah.

Police Begin Investigation

The police command has started investigating the incident. Officers are also assessing the site to understand what caused the refuse dump to collapse.

The command has not yet established the full circumstances that led to the deaths. It said investigators would provide more information after they verify the facts.

READ ALSO : Two Rescued After One-Storey Building Collapses in Kubwa, Abuja

Police also appealed to residents to remain calm. The command warned against speculation while the investigation continues.

Housing Safety Concerns

The incident raises concerns about the safety of buildings located near large waste dumps and other high-risk areas.

The location of a building plays an important role in housing safety. Developers and property owners need to consider the condition of the land before construction begins.

Valleys and other low-lying areas can present special challenges. Developers may need to assess the land, drainage and surrounding environment before putting up buildings.

Poor waste disposal can also create problems in urban areas. Large waste piles can block drainage channels and place extra pressure on nearby land and structures.

Importance of Proper Urban Planning

The Calabar incident also shows why proper urban planning matters to housing development.

Safe housing depends on more than the construction of a strong building. Authorities and developers must also consider land use, drainage, waste disposal and the wider environment.

Building approval and enforcement can help prevent development in unsuitable locations. Regular monitoring can also help authorities identify risks before they threaten residents.

However, the police have not blamed any individual, developer or agency for the incident. The investigation is still underway, and the cause of the collapse has yet to be fully established.

Investigation Continues

The Cross River State Police Command said it would release further details as investigators confirm more information about the incident.

The deaths at Ikot Effanga highlight the need for greater attention to housing safety, waste management and land-use planning. As the investigation continues, its findings may help explain what caused the refuse dump to collapse and whether any preventable risks contributed to the tragedy.

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Wike Orders Investigation

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered an investigation into FCT officials linked to illegal approvals for car dealerships in Abuja.

The officials include Directors in the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management and Urban Affairs.

The FCT Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, has summoned the affected officials. The investigation will examine their role in approving the use of green areas, parks and gardens for car lots.

Wike also ordered the immediate end of car dealership activities on green areas and other spaces meant for public recreation.

The FCT Administration announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday. Lere Olayinka, the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, signed the statement.

Task Force to Enforce Ban

The minister has also ordered the creation of a task force to enforce the directive.

The team will monitor the affected areas and stop further unauthorised commercial activities. It will also check that businesses do not return to spaces reserved for parks, gardens and other public uses.

Wike raised concerns about the use of recreational areas for commercial purposes. Parts of Millennium Park and other green spaces have also come under attention.

The development has renewed questions about land use in Abuja. Green spaces form an important part of the city’s planning system. They also provide areas for recreation and help support better urban management.

Flooding Raises Planning Concerns

The FCT government’s latest action also links to recent flooding in Abuja.

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of the capital last Saturday. Wike later inspected Maitama and other affected areas.

Following the inspections, the minister ordered the removal of illegal structures blocking drainage channels. He also warned against activities that could prevent the free movement of stormwater.

READ ALSO :Wike Targets Buildings Obstructing Waterways After Abuja Flooding

The use of green areas for commercial purposes has therefore become part of a wider discussion about Abuja’s drainage and urban planning.

Poor land-use control can put pressure on infrastructure. It can also reduce the space available for recreation and environmental management.

Abuja Master Plan Under Review

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has also announced plans to review the 1979 Abuja Master Plan.

The review will consider the city’s growing population and changing climate conditions. It will also look at whether existing infrastructure can meet the needs of the capital.

The Abuja Master Plan provides the basis for the city’s planned development. Its implementation affects housing, roads, drainage, public spaces and commercial development.

The review could therefore have wider implications for property developers and investors in the FCT.

Impact on Real Estate

The investigation also highlights the need for proper land-use approval in Abuja.

Property developers, investors and businesses must follow approved planning rules before using land for commercial purposes. Unauthorised changes can create legal and financial risks for property owners and investors.

The case also shows why strong urban planning matters to the housing and real estate sector. Abuja needs clear land-use rules to support orderly development as the city expands.

For residents, green areas and parks also provide important public spaces. Protecting these areas can support better urban planning and help maintain the city’s environmental balance.

The outcome of the investigation will determine whether any officials breached established procedures when they approved car dealership activities on land reserved for parks and recreation.

The wider issue remains the effective enforcement of Abuja’s land-use rules. Stronger enforcement could help the FCT protect public spaces, improve infrastructure planning and support more orderly property development.

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The Lagos State Government on Friday published the names of 176 illegal estates operating without approved layout plans, in a renewed effort to curb fraudulent property developments and restore order in the built environment.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing marking the third year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.

According to him, the ministry has intensified monitoring and enforcement operations across the state, inspecting 205 estates for compliance with approved layout regulations.

He said the exercise was designed to promote sustainable urban development, improve infrastructure coordination, and ensure orderly estate planning across Lagos.

“Through continuous monitoring and enforcement activities, the department contributed significantly towards reducing incidences of unregulated estate development and promoting safer, more organised, and environmentally sustainable communities across Lagos State,” Olumide said.

The commissioner also highlighted progress in planning permit administration through the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA).

He revealed that between June and December 2025, the state received 14,549 planning permit applications and granted 11,701 approvals. Between January and March 2026, a further 7,054 applications were received, with 5,578 approvals granted.

Olumide noted that the 60-day planning permit amnesty programme significantly improved compliance among developers and property owners.

On reforms in the sector, he said the state government introduced the Electronic Physical Planning Permit Processing System (e-PPPS) to digitise and streamline applications.

“The platform enables applicants to process planning permit applications online from any location, thereby improving transparency, accessibility, efficiency, accountability, and ease of doing business,” he said.

The ministry also listed key urban planning achievements, including the Lagos Island Model City Plan, Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan, and the revised Badagry Master Plan.

Olumide said the government remains committed to building a resilient, sustainable, and globally competitive city through stronger regulatory enforcement and improved urban planning systems.

He added that increased compliance has been driven by reform initiatives and expanded sensitisation efforts targeting developers and residents.

Responding to concerns over permit costs, the commissioner defended the charges, arguing that ongoing infrastructure projects across the state have significantly improved property values and living conditions.

“Regarding the high cost of permits, I disagree. Mention any area in Lagos that is not witnessing one infrastructure project or another,” he said.

He maintained that government investments in roads and infrastructure continue to enhance real estate value across Lagos State.

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The continued violation of the Abuja Master Plan has been described as a major threat to sustainable urban development, environmental protection, and investment security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to planning experts, the Abuja Master Plan remains a legally binding document established under the provisions of the FCT Act, meaning that all land allocations and developments within the territory must strictly comply with approved land use regulations.

They warned that any land allocation or development carried out outside the approved framework constitutes a direct violation of the law and exposes investors to significant risks.

“The Abuja Master Plan is not a hidden document. It is a public document that has even been commercialised by the authority to create awareness and prevent violations,” the statement noted.

The experts stressed that developers who embark on projects contrary to approved land use plans cannot claim ignorance, especially where there have been public concerns and objections regarding such developments.

“Ignorance of the law is never an excuse,” the statement added.

They explained that Sections 3 and 4 of the FCT Act clearly establish the responsibilities of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), including the preparation and implementation of the Abuja Master Plan, land use coordination, provision of infrastructure, and overall physical planning within the territory.

According to the statement, the Master Plan was developed after extensive consultations involving Nigerian professionals, technical experts, and international planning consultants to ensure compliance with global urban planning standards while reflecting Nigeria’s cultural and developmental realities.

The Urban and Regional Planning Department was specifically assigned the responsibility of safeguarding the Master Plan and ensuring that all allocations align with approved land use requirements.

The statement further noted that any allocation carried out without the input and approval of the Urban and Regional Planning Department violates established procedures and often results in land use infractions.

Experts argued that many of the current planning challenges in Abuja stem from the disregard for these checks and balances.

They warned that several aspects of the original city vision, particularly environmental protection and green infrastructure, are gradually being eroded by unchecked developments.

“The Garden City Concept was to be achieved with 33 per cent of land allocated for greening, but many buffer zones and ecological corridors are now being encroached upon,” the statement said.

The experts expressed concern that waterways and green areas originally designed to absorb runoff and reduce flooding have been drastically reduced due to illegal developments.

They also noted that environmental sustainability formed a major part of the philosophy behind the Abuja Master Plan, with provisions aimed at preserving natural landscapes and ensuring long-term urban resilience for future generations.

According to them, enforcement actions can still be taken against projects found to contravene approved land use regulations, regardless of whether such developments have been completed or are still under construction.

The statement also cautioned public officials against using their positions to facilitate land use violations for personal or political interests.

“The appointment of an FCT Minister is a trust to supervise implementation of the Master Plan, not a licence for indiscriminate land acquisition or violations,” the experts stated.

They dismissed claims that ongoing violations could be justified under the guise of “readjustment” or “review” of the Master Plan, insisting that no review process permits illegal developments that deprive the public of planned infrastructure and environmental benefits.

The experts further warned that future administrations could revisit and reverse many controversial allocations and developments, noting that several investors had previously lost properties due to non-compliance with planning regulations.

“History has shown that unlawful developments eventually face enforcement actions. Developers involved in land use violations should take note,” the statement concluded.

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Urban planning experts have raised fresh concerns over persistent violations of land-use regulations in Abuja, warning that continued disregard for development control laws threatens the integrity of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Master Plan.

Citing provisions of Sections 47 to 63 of the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law, town planners note that enforcement powers are clearly vested in Development Control Departments, with statutory authority to issue stop-work orders, quit notices and demolition directives for unauthorised or dangerous developments. These measures, experts argue, are essential to preventing encroachment on public infrastructure, resolving land disputes and maintaining orderly urban growth.

Despite the legal framework, compliance has remained uneven, particularly among influential property owners. Planning professionals say violations are often driven by personal interest and unchecked privilege, creating pressure on infrastructure and public services. Abuja’s population was initially projected at about 3.1 million, with residential density controls designed to ensure sustainability. However, widespread overdevelopment of plots has contributed to overcrowding and overstretched utilities in several districts of the city.

Former development control officers recount years of resistance, intimidation and hazards encountered while carrying out enforcement duties, especially in high-value districts such as the Central Area. In several documented cases, plots designated for public infrastructure were illegally annexed by adjoining private developments, prompting stop-work notices and demolition orders that were later contested through political influence.

One such case involved a hotel owner who repeatedly defied enforcement actions despite multiple notices. Although senior officials within the Development Control Department upheld the legality of enforcement decisions, the matter became prolonged after the developer gained political leverage. The dispute reportedly persisted for years, highlighting how elite interference can undermine regulatory institutions.

Planning professionals say such experiences are not isolated. Comparable confrontations reportedly involved former top public office holders, including heads of service and senior security officials, reinforcing concerns that status often shields violators from accountability. Advocates of stronger urban governance argue that failure to enforce development regulations uniformly risks turning parts of Abuja into informal settlements, contrary to the city’s original design.

The renewed debate comes amid a broader enforcement drive by the FCT Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike, who has repeatedly vowed that no individual or institution would be exempt from land-use regulations. Analysts say consistent enforcement, free from political interference, remains critical to preserving Abuja’s planning ideals and preventing what they describe as the “vanity of land abuse” in the nation’s capital.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has granted property owners in Abuja a final 14-day extension to comply with land use regulations.

The grace period, starting Tuesday, November 11, 2025, allows owners to pay a ₦5 million penalty and other related fees. The extension covers properties in Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse districts.

The move follows the expiration of the initial 30-day deadline for landowners to regularise their properties. Officials have warned that failure to comply within the new period will lead to enforcement action by the FCT Administration.

Property owners are required to visit the Department of Land Administration with their title documents and valid identification to obtain approval letters reflecting the updated land use.

New Statutory Rights of Occupancy and Certificates of Occupancy will be issued to compliant owners, valid for a new 99-year term.

The FCT Administration clarified that this opportunity does not apply to lands or properties previously revoked due to non-development or unpaid ground rent.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated two ad-hoc committees to tackle widespread land use violations and disputes in Abuja, giving them a strict two-week deadline to submit actionable recommendations.

The first committee will investigate issues surrounding River Park Estate, focusing on alleged breaches of agreements between the FCT Administration and developers of the mass housing project. Wike expressed concern over frequent violations of development agreements, stressing that the committee’s work must be professional, transparent, and free from interference.

“The assignment must be concluded in two weeks. There will be no extension,” Wike warned. “If I hear of any undue influence from within or outside the administration, there will be consequences. Your work must be strictly in line with the terms of reference.”

The second committee will examine properties across the FCT where the original use stated in the Certificate of Occupancy has been illegally altered. Wike noted that many residential properties have been converted to commercial use without approval, violating the Abuja master plan.

“If your C of O is for residential purposes and it’s now being used commercially, that’s a violation,” he said. “The committee must advise whether such titles should be revoked, penalised, or formally converted with the appropriate fees paid.”

Wike also directed the Lands Department, Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), Development Control, and Urban and Regional Planning to compile a list of all defaulters on ground rent, including arrears from 2022 to 2025. He emphasised that recovering these funds is essential to financing critical projects in the FCT’s 2025 budget.

“The 2025 budget has been assented to, but without funds, we cannot deliver infrastructure that benefits our people. Recovering ground rent is a priority,” he said.

Both committees are expected to deliver robust recommendations that will guide the administration’s next steps in restoring order to land use and development in the nation’s capital.

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It is a strategic investment in better infrastructure, improved public services, and a prosperous future for all Kogi residents.

Speaking at the unveiling of the Land Use Charge Law, 2024, at the KGIRS Board Room, Enehe described the initiative as a crucial step toward strengthening the state’s revenue base for sustainable development.

He noted that ongoing tax reforms aim to simplify revenue collection, enhance transparency, and ensure that every stakeholder contributes fairly to the state’s growth.

According to him, the Land Use Charge will generate funds for local government projects, improve data-driven decision-making, and foster smart city development. It will also create employment opportunities. He urged property owners and residents to support the initiative, stressing that a well-structured revenue system is the foundation of good governance.

By complying with the charge, citizens will directly contribute to the government’s ability to deliver impactful projects that benefit businesses, communities, and future generations.

Enehe reassured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and efficiency in revenue administration. With the launch of the Land Use Charge Demand Notice, the state is reinforcing its dedication to responsible financial management and long-term development.

He called on residents to exercise patience and cooperate as the implementation unfolds. The government will provide practical demonstrations of how property assessments will be conducted. He expressed confidence that through collective effort and compliance, Kogi State can unlock its economic potential and build a brighter future for all its citizens.

The post Kogi Residents Urged to See Land Use Charge as an Investment in the State appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

In an interview with Daily Sun, expert Mr. Meckson Okoro highlighted the Act’s potential as a tool for real estate development but lamented its poor management and exploitation by state governments. He criticized the Act’s hijacking by state authorities for political patronage, resulting in insufficient regulation and exacerbating the housing deficit.

Okoro also questioned the federal government’s commitment to managing property interests in Nigeria, noting a lack of interest in utilizing the Act to regulate excesses and mitigate the housing shortage. He expressed skepticism about the feasibility of schemes like rent-to-own, citing inadequate employment opportunities and uncertain income streams as significant challenges.

READ ALSO: Lagos Real Estate Market Witnesses Significant Increase In prices Of Land in Magodo And Lekki

Echoing similar sentiments, National President of Building Collapse Prevention Guild in Nigeria (BCPG), Mr. Sulaimon Yusuf, emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of land policies to stimulate housing development. He advocated for freeing land to encourage private sector participation and the reintroduction of low-cost housing initiatives.

Yusuf stressed the importance of government providing infrastructure and incentives to the private sector to facilitate the construction of affordable housing. He called for a concerted effort to refocus land policies, allocate land for low-cost housing projects, and prioritize infrastructure development in these areas.

Addressing the pressing issue of low-cost housing, stakeholders emphasized the urgency of adopting policies that foster private sector involvement and provide affordable housing solutions to meet the needs of the population. They emphasized the necessity of creating an enabling environment for both public and private sectors to collaborate effectively in addressing the housing deficit.

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