The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, , has directed the demolition of an estate constructed on land originally designated for a park and recreation centre in Guzape, .

The minister said the developer converted the land into a residential estate in violation of the city’s master plan.

Illegal development discovered during inspection

Wike discovered the development on Monday during an inspection tour of several infrastructure projects across the (FCTA).

According to him, the land was specifically allocated for public recreational purposes but was instead transformed into a housing estate by a private developer.

“This place was given for park and recreation, not for the development of an estate. What we are seeing here is a clear violation,” Wike said.

He added that any approval previously granted for the development would be revoked and all illegal structures on the site would be removed.

Government vows strict enforcement of planning laws

The minister warned that the administration would strictly enforce urban planning regulations to protect Abuja’s development blueprint.

He stressed that authorities would act regardless of the individuals or interests involved in the project.

“People think governments will come and go while they continue doing whatever they like. We will not allow that. It does not matter who is involved; the right thing will be done,” he said.

Wike also suggested that some illegal projects may succeed due to collaboration between developers and insiders within government agencies.

Inspection of key road projects

During the tour, the minister inspected several ongoing infrastructure projects expected to be inaugurated during the third anniversary of President ’s administration.

One of the projects reviewed was a road network linking Renewed Hope City in Karsana to Kubwa.

He also inspected the Arterial N16 interchange project connecting Ring Road 2 and Ring Road 3 between Jahi and Gwarimpa, noting that the work was progressing well and could be completed by the end of May.

The minister further visited the Airport Road–Kuje highway project, where a major bridge is currently being installed.

Wike also inspected the 13-kilometre road linking Kuje to , explaining that the project had been divided into two phases, with the first section nearing completion.

Roads key to development in FCT

According to the minister, expanding road infrastructure is essential to improving transportation and opening up communities across the Federal Capital Territory.

He noted that improved connectivity would allow residents to live in satellite towns such as while commuting easily to work in Abuja.

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Tpl Mukhtar Galadima, the long-serving Director of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Department of Development Control, has retired from service after more than three decades of overseeing development enforcement in Abuja.

Galadima, widely known as the head of the FCT demolition task force, said he was leaving with gratitude and fulfilment.

He joined the FCT Administration in December 1992 as a young Higher Technical Officer and rose through the ranks to lead the country’s most sensitive urban control directorate.

‘I Never Imagined Becoming a Director’

He said his rise in the system was shaped by mentorship, teamwork, and a deep commitment to defending the Abuja Master Plan.
According to him, several reforms implemented under his leadership succeeded because staff members participated fully in shaping them.

Key Reforms During His Tenure

Galadima listed some of the reforms that transformed the department:

• Digitisation of building approval processes
• Introduction of post-development audits
• Decentralisation of area offices
• Upcoming electronic vetting of building plans

He said the goal has always been to shorten approval timelines, strengthen monitoring, and ensure compliance with the Abuja Master Plan.

‘Awareness Is Our Strongest Tool’

Speaking on the tension between rapid urban growth and strict compliance, Galadima said public awareness remains central to enforcement.
Residents, he noted, often alert officials to illegal developments, while department teams work round the clock to ensure enforcement keeps pace with the city’s expansion.

Protecting Abuja’s Future

Galadima expressed hope that the next generation of officers would continue to defend the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan.
He said shared responsibility between government, residents, developers, and regulators remains the only path to sustainable urban development.

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Lagos State has moved to reassure investors and developers by promising faster building approvals, with permits to be issued within 10 working days once all requirements are fulfilled

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, gave the assurance on Wednesday during a briefing on the “State of the Environment” in Lagos.

According to Olumide, applicants are required to submit architectural and structural drawings, technical and engineering reports, and soil test results where necessary. Proof of tax compliance is also mandatory.

“Once all documents are submitted and the required fees are paid, approvals will be issued within 10 working days,” he said, adding that trained officers are available to guide applicants through the process.

The commissioner encouraged journalists to independently verify the streamlined approval timeline, underscoring the government’s commitment to efficiency and transparency.

Turning to the issue of unapproved housing developments, Olumide disclosed that 176 estates remain under sanction for failing to comply with planning regulations. He noted that many of the affected estates were built on land designated for agricultural or industrial use without securing proper approvals.

A 21-working-day grace period was issued for regularisation, he said, adding that while some developers have begun corrective action, others risk enforcement measures, including property sealing.

“These regulations are designed to protect residents, ensuring that estates are properly planned, safe, and conducive for living,” Olumide stressed.

Source: The Guardian

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