The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate demolition of about 30 buildings blocking the Right of Way of Abuja’s Ring Road 3.

Wike gave the order on Thursday during an inspection of road projects linking Karsana District, Gwarinpa and the Kubwa axis.

The affected buildings sit within the corridor reserved for Ring Road 3 and its planned interchange. The area forms part of the infrastructure network covered by the Abuja Master Plan.

Wike Orders Immediate Action

The Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, drew Wike’s attention to the structures during the inspection.

Dauda told the minister that the buildings occupy land reserved for the Ring Road 3 project. Wike then called officials of the Department of Development Control to the site.

The minister ordered the officials to remove the structures without delay. He also questioned how developers had managed to build within a major road and interchange corridor.

Wike said the government could not allow private buildings to obstruct important public infrastructure.

Ring Road 3 Project Links Major Areas

The Ring Road 3 project forms part of Abuja’s wider road network. The route will connect Karsana District with the Kubwa Road corridor, also known as the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX).

According to Dauda, the road will also extend towards Airport Road. A planned flyover will connect with the Ring Road 3 alignment as part of the project.

Dauda said construction of the second bridge on the corridor has also moved forward. He noted that workers had started the foundation despite the rocky terrain at the site.

The project team expects bridge construction to continue while work progresses on the wider road corridor.

Development Control Concerns

The discovery of buildings along the road corridor has raised fresh concerns about development control in the Federal Capital Territory.

Abuja relies on planned land use to protect space for roads, public facilities and other infrastructure. When private developments enter these areas, they can create problems for transport projects and urban planning.

The situation also carries risks for property buyers and developers. Investors who purchase or develop land without checking approved land use may face disputes, demolition or financial losses.

For this reason, property developers need to confirm land titles, planning approvals and Right of Way restrictions before starting construction.

Protecting the Abuja Master Plan

The FCT Administration has continued to stress the importance of enforcing the Abuja Master Plan. The plan provides a framework for land use and infrastructure development across the capital.

Wike’s directive shows that the administration intends to prevent buildings from blocking planned road projects. It also places renewed attention on the role of development control officials in monitoring construction.

The immediate removal of the affected buildings will clear the Ring Road 3 corridor for ongoing construction and interchange works.

The development highlights a wider issue facing fast-growing cities: the need to balance private property development with long-term infrastructure planning. Stronger land checks and effective development control can help reduce conflicts between property owners and major public projects.

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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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Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory, has accused the administration of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of worsening Abuja’s flooding problems through developments she says have encroached on green areas, flood channels and flood plains.

Kingibe made the allegations while discussing the recent flooding recorded across parts of Abuja, arguing that some planning and development decisions have reduced the city’s capacity to manage heavy rainfall.

According to the senator, Abuja’s flooding problem predates the current FCT administration, but she believes the situation has become significantly worse over the past three to four years.

She said she had previously raised concerns with relevant FCT agencies about development around green areas and waterways.

Green areas and waterways under scrutiny

Kingibe said construction on areas that previously provided routes for stormwater has restricted the movement of water during heavy rainfall.

She specifically pointed to developments around parts of Asokoro, Jabi and Wuse, arguing that some gullies, flood channels and green areas have been built on or restricted.

The senator said the city’s original planning framework was designed to preserve certain areas for environmental and drainage purposes and warned that continued development in such locations could increase flood risks.

She also cited concerns around sewage and drainage infrastructure, saying some facilities require urgent attention.

Flooding exposes Abuja’s infrastructure challenge

The recent flooding affected several parts of the capital, renewing concerns about the city’s drainage capacity and the pace of urban expansion.

The problem is not limited to rainfall itself. Drainage capacity, waste disposal, development patterns and enforcement of planning regulations all influence how effectively stormwater moves through an urban area.

Kingibe called for rubbish to be cleared from streets and drainage channels, noting that waste can quickly be carried into drains during heavy rainfall and worsen blockages.

She also called for a broader review of Abuja’s sewage and drainage infrastructure.

FCT Administration says flooding predates Wike

The FCT Administration has rejected attempts to attribute Abuja’s flooding solely to the current minister.

Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, said Abuja experienced serious flooding before Wike assumed office, citing incidents recorded in areas including Wuse, Jabi and Lokogoma in previous years.

He argued that the latest flooding reflects the challenges created by the rapid expansion of the capital, including inadequate drainage infrastructure, waste management problems and pressure on existing systems.

The FCT Administration also said it is reviewing Abuja’s 1979 Master Plan to reflect the city’s current population and development realities.

Planning decisions face renewed scrutiny

The disagreement has brought Abuja’s land-use planning system back into focus.

Kingibe has argued that the authorities must explain how developments affecting green areas, flood channels and flood plains are being approved.

The FCT Administration, meanwhile, maintains that flooding is a longstanding challenge and says it is taking steps to improve drainage and address the city’s changing infrastructure needs.

The debate highlights a wider challenge facing Abuja: how to accommodate rapid urban growth without sacrificing the environmental corridors and infrastructure needed to manage extreme rainfall.

For residents, the immediate concern is reducing the risk of further flooding. For planners and authorities, the longer-term challenge is ensuring that new development does not create additional pressure on drainage systems.

As the debate continues, greater transparency around land approvals, master-plan compliance, drainage capacity and development in environmentally sensitive areas could help establish what is driving Abuja’s worsening flood risk.

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A faction of JonahCapital Nigeria Limited has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to examine an alleged $300 million investment linked to the River Park Estate project in Abuja.

The group wants the anti-graft agency to confirm whether the money entered Nigeria and whether developers used it to fund the estate’s infrastructure.

Dr Adeniran Olatokunbo Ogunmuyiwa, a founding director and shareholder of JonahCapital, raised the concerns in a letter to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The dispute forms part of an arbitration case reportedly before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris.

JonahCapital Faction Disputes Funding Claim

Ogunmuyiwa disputes claims linked to Ghanaian businessman Samuel Esson Jonah that more than $300 million went into infrastructure at River Park Estate.

He said JonahCapital did not provide funding or infrastructure for the development.

Ogunmuyiwa also questioned the authority of the group pursuing the arbitration to act for JonahCapital. He said a dispute over the company’s ownership has led to competing corporate records.

According to him, the people behind the arbitration do not represent the legitimate owners or directors of the company.

The claims remain disputed. The other parties involved may contest them.

EFCC Petition Seeks Financial Records

The Nigerian faction later petitioned the EFCC over the River Park dispute. The commission reportedly received the petition on August 11.

The petition asks the agency to examine allegations of fraud, impersonation and false representations linked to the project.

The petitioners also want the EFCC to trace the alleged $300 million investment.

They asked investigators to review Certificates of Capital Importation, bank statements and foreign remittance records. They also listed Central Bank of Nigeria records, foreign exchange documents, investment agreements and audited accounts.

The group wants investigators to establish the source of the alleged funds. It also wants them to identify the Nigerian accounts that received the money.

Group Questions How Money Was Used

The petitioners said the alleged investment should have a clear financial record if the $300 million entered Nigeria.

They want the EFCC to determine the dates of the transfers and the amounts involved. They also want the agency to establish how the money allegedly funded the River Park project.

The petition names Samuel Esson Jonah, Kojo Mensah and other people said to have links with the arbitration.

The Nigerian faction also asked investigators to examine documents and claims submitted in the ICC proceedings.

Paulo Homes Named in Funding Dispute

The faction claims that Paulo Homes Limited financed major parts of River Park Estate.

It said the company provided funds for activities linked to the development. These allegedly included payments to indigenous communities, road construction and water infrastructure.

The group also made claims about Jonah’s previous position in JonahCapital. It alleged that he failed to provide capital he had agreed to contribute after joining the company as a shareholder.

It further alleged that Jonah lost his shareholder position around 2008.

The claims have not been independently verified.

Arbitration Follows Lease Agreement Dispute

The River Park dispute concerns Plot 4, Cadastral Zone E30, Lugbe West, Abuja.

The property is now known as River Park Estate.

The dispute followed the termination of a Development Lease Agreement involving JonahCapital Nigeria Limited and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

The claimants reportedly maintain that the agreement remains valid until 2030.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has confirmed that Nigeria faces arbitration proceedings over the property.

What the Case Means for Abuja Real Estate

The dispute raises important questions about funding, ownership and development rights in major housing projects.

Large property developments need clear agreements and traceable financial records. They also depend on secure land rights and strong relationships between developers and public authorities.

Any prolonged dispute can create uncertainty for investors and other parties connected to a project.

For Abuja’s housing sector, the River Park case also highlights the need for clear project structures. Investors and homebuyers need confidence that developers have the legal and financial capacity to complete major projects.

The ownership dispute within JonahCapital, the alleged $300 million investment and the Development Lease Agreement remain contested.

The ongoing arbitration, along with any investigation by Nigerian authorities, could provide further clarity on the issues surrounding River Park Estate.

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HDAN Commends Wike as Infrastructure Development Transforms FCT Real Estate

Says massive investment in roads and public infrastructure is unlocking new opportunities for housing, investment and economic growth

By Housing TV Africa

The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), Africa’s leading and pioneering non-governmental advocacy organisation dedicated to housing development, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, for what it described as the unprecedented pace of infrastructure development across the nation’s capital, noting that the projects are already reshaping the real estate landscape and opening up new frontiers for housing and investment.

HDAN has, for decades, championed policy reforms, affordable housing initiatives, housing finance, land reforms, real estate regulation and sustainable urban development across Africa. Through sustained advocacy, strategic partnerships and high-level stakeholder engagement, the organisation has made significant contributions to advancing housing development in Nigeria and across the continent, earning recognition as one of Africa’s foremost voices on housing policy and sector reforms.

In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Festus Adebayo, HDAN said that strategic investments in roads, bridges, interchanges and other critical infrastructure have become one of the strongest catalysts for real estate growth in the FCT, significantly increasing land values, attracting private sector investment and accelerating urban expansion.

According to Adebayo, one of the greatest lessons from successful cities around the world is that infrastructure drives real estate development.

“Where roads go, development follows. Where government provides quality infrastructure, investors naturally move in. Housing estates spring up, businesses expand, jobs are created and property values appreciate. This is exactly what we are witnessing today in many parts of the Federal Capital Territory.”

HDAN observed that communities that were once regarded as distant or unattractive to investors are rapidly emerging as prime residential and commercial destinations because of improved accessibility and government investment in infrastructure.

The Network noted that ongoing road construction and expansion projects are unlocking the economic potential of several districts and satellite communities, encouraging developers to embark on new housing projects while giving confidence to financial institutions, mortgage providers and other investors.

According to HDAN, infrastructure development remains one of the most effective government interventions for reducing the cost of housing delivery. Improved road access, drainage systems and other public facilities lower development costs, shorten project timelines and make it easier for developers to deliver quality housing to Nigerians.

The organisation further stated that beyond real estate, infrastructure investment stimulates economic activities across multiple sectors, including construction, manufacturing, transportation, hospitality, retail, financial services and professional consultancy, thereby creating thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.

HDAN urged the FCT Administration to sustain the current momentum by extending infrastructure to more satellite towns and emerging districts, stressing that balanced development across the territory would help reduce pressure on the city centre while making affordable housing more accessible to low- and middle-income earners.

The Network also encouraged stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to maximise the benefits of infrastructure investment through planned urban expansion, serviced land development and increased private participation in housing delivery.

Adebayo emphasised that Nigeria’s housing challenge cannot be solved through mortgage finance alone.

“Access to infrastructure is just as important as access to finance. A plot of land without roads, electricity, drainage and water has limited value. But once government provides infrastructure, that same land becomes attractive for housing, commerce and industry. Infrastructure is the foundation upon which sustainable cities are built.”

He added that the remarkable transformation taking place across the FCT demonstrates the importance of visionary infrastructure investment in driving economic growth, improving the quality of life of residents and strengthening investor confidence in Nigeria’s real estate sector.

HDAN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies and initiatives that promote sustainable urban development, affordable housing and responsible real estate growth, while calling on other state governments across Nigeria to emulate the FCT by making infrastructure development a central pillar of their housing and economic development strategies.

“The transformation we are witnessing in Abuja is a powerful reminder that strategic investment in infrastructure is one of the fastest ways to stimulate real estate development, create wealth, attract investment and improve the living standards of the people. We commend the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for this bold approach and encourage the sustained execution of projects that will continue to unlock the enormous economic potential of the Federal Capital Territory.”

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration has completed a vast portfolio of public infrastructure works, with approximately 70 percent of those finished developments originating from legacy contracts that had been abandoned for 15 to 16 years. This massive structural revival aligns directly with executive mandates issued by President Bola Tinubu, which stipulate that all viable, publicly funded government projects must be completed to prevent asset waste. Speaking during a comprehensive monthly media interaction in Abuja, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike explained that the current administration purposefully prioritized completing these historical works before deploying resources into entirely fresh capital construction.

According to data released during the briefing, roughly 60 percent of all physical engineering assets delivered over the last three years were originally awarded over a decade ago but left completely dormant by previous regimes. The administration opted for a dual development model, concurrently managing legacy property handovers while initiating modern road expansions across outlying satellite communities. This aggressive urban construction approach aims to systematically decongest central traffic corridors, improve cross-regional connectivity, and open up newly plotted districts for private residential real estate and commercial investment.

The accelerated pace of this regional transformation was heavily attributed to structural fiscal adjustments approved by the Presidency, specifically the extraction of the capital territory’s budget from the centralized Treasury Single Account framework. This financial autonomy ensures that contractors receive payments reliably without prolonged administrative delays, drastically raising investor confidence in the territory’s expanding infrastructure pipeline. Alongside these structural successes, the administration has introduced strict fiscal discipline, which includes reversing the local budget balance to heavily favor capital investments while actively blocking systemic avenues previously used for the diversion of public funds.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that President Bola Tinubu approaches public administration as a serious corporate enterprise that must achieve measurable results. This operational philosophy is credited with driving the current infrastructure expansion observed across the nation’s capital. Speaking during a comprehensive media interaction in Abuja, the Minister explained that the accelerated execution of multi-billion Naira engineering contracts was made possible through major financial structural reforms approved directly by the Presidency.

A central factor in this developmental phase was the decision to remove the Federal Capital Territory Administration from the Treasury Single Account framework. According to the leadership, the previous centralized accounting setup created bureaucratic bottlenecks that consistently delayed capital releases and project execution. Under the modified fiscal arrangement, the administration can now leverage its internally generated revenue as viable collateral to secure flexible commercial bank financing. This strategy has successfully restored the confidence of major construction firms, ensuring steady workflow on projects like the long-delayed Apo-Karshi road, which is now on track for completion by December.

Addressing urban management challenges resulting from these extensive expansions, the Minister maintained an uncompromising stance against illegal roadside trading, street markets, and unauthorized settlements. The administration emphasized that unlawful commercial activities will not be tolerated under the pretext of economic survival, as they deface public investments and disrupt urban master plans. To complement these physical clean-up campaigns, a specialized security task force has been deployed to clear street hoodlums from major traffic junctions, guaranteeing a structured, secure, and equitable environment across all regional area councils.

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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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President Bola Tinubu has charged the inhabitants of Gomani, Dafa, and Yangoji within the Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory to actively protect the newly inaugurated Gomani–Dafa–Yangoji Road. Speaking on the project’s completion, the President emphasized that the regime of uncompleted public infrastructure across the country has officially drawn to a close.

The President’s message was delivered by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the formal opening ceremony of the thoroughfare, as detailed in a statement released by the media aide to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, June 30.

Tinubu stressed that the ultimate duty of preserving the structural integrity of the highway now falls upon the host communities. He admonished the local population to view the infrastructure as a shared legacy meant to serve both current and upcoming generations. Addressing traditional rulers, community stakeholders, agriculturalists, merchants, and local youths, the President maintained that the infrastructure belongs to the public and must be heavily guarded against abuse.

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration has officially commenced a comprehensive promotion exercise for over 13,000 workers following authorization from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The extensive career advancement program is scheduled to span 10 days, encompassing personnel from both the core administration and the Federal Capital Development Authority across approximately 150 professional cadres and grade levels.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, noted that this initiative is geared toward enhancing public service efficiency. He added that the development aligns closely with the federal administration’s broader national development goals. This particular FCT civil servant promotion exercise, which officially represents the 2025 promotion cycle, begins on July 1, 2026, under a framework designed to ensure total transparency.

Furthermore, the Minister has issued a directive ensuring that the subsequent 2026 evaluation cycle takes place before the end of the current year. This proactive approach aims to eliminate career stagnation and guarantee that all qualifying personnel transition smoothly to their next professional tiers without delay. The commission is actively collaborating with secondary agencies to resolve administrative bottlenecks that disrupted similar exercises in the past.

To maintain transparency, the evaluations will utilize a Computer-Based Test format, a technology the commission pioneered nationwide for civil service promotion workflows back in late 2024. Eligible participants are urged to cooperate orderly with coordinating officials throughout the designated examination timeline.

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