Construction work is progressing on a residential estate being developed on land originally designated for a public hospital in Abuja’s Wuye District, despite sustained opposition from residents, urban planning experts and civil society groups.

A visit to the site on Monday revealed intense construction activity, with more than 20 structures already at different stages of completion within the fenced property.

Workers were observed carrying out building operations across the estate, while trucks delivered construction materials to the site.

The development is taking place on Plot 546, Cadastral Zone B03, Wuye District, a 3.171-hectare parcel of land originally reserved in the Abuja Master Plan for a district hospital intended to serve residents of Wuye and surrounding communities.

The land, located opposite the Wuye Ultra-Modern Market and adjacent to the Wuye Police Station, was later redesignated for residential use and allocated to Full Moon Estate Developers Limited following approval by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Residents Express Disappointment

Residents have continued to condemn the conversion, arguing that the district urgently requires a public healthcare facility rather than another private housing estate.

A resident, Ahmed Usman, said many stakeholders had expected the authorities to reconsider the decision after widespread public criticism.

“We expected that after the concerns raised by residents and professionals, the authorities would review the decision. Unfortunately, construction is moving ahead as if our concerns do not matter,” he said.

According to him, the rapid population growth in Wuye has increased the need for accessible healthcare services.

“We need a hospital more than another private estate. The district continues to expand, and access to public healthcare remains a challenge for many residents,” he added.

Another resident, Mrs. Ngozi Okonkwo, lamented that appeals by residents appeared to have been ignored.

“It appears our voices were not heard. The land was meant for a public hospital that would benefit the entire community. Today, we are watching residential buildings replace a critical public facility,” she said.

She urged the FCTA to prioritise public welfare and social infrastructure when making decisions on land use changes.

Stakeholders Raise Planning Concerns

A community stakeholder, Musa Ibrahim, described the pace of development on the site as worrying, noting that many residents initially believed the project would be suspended pending a review.

“When the issue became public, people expected the authorities to halt construction and investigate the circumstances surrounding the conversion. Instead, construction has accelerated and more structures have emerged,” he said.

He warned that frequent alterations to designated land uses could undermine the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan and threaten the orderly development of the Federal Capital Territory.

Development Control Earlier Queried Project

Earlier reports revealed that Plot 546 was originally designated for a district health facility under the Abuja Master Plan.

Following public criticism, the Acting Director of the FCT Development Control Department, TPL Bashir Madaki Sanusi, confirmed that the plot was initially reserved for a health centre.

He, however, explained that approval for the residential estate was granted after his department received official communication from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning indicating that the land had been redesignated for residential purposes and allocated to a private developer with ministerial approval.

Sanusi disclosed that he had initially queried the development proposal after discovering that the submitted building design did not align with the original land use designation.

He further stated that Development Control subsequently ordered a temporary halt to construction and requested fresh verification of the land use status from the Urban and Regional Planning Department.

According to him, the outcome of the verification process would determine the future of the project.

Construction Continues Amid Uncertainty

Despite the earlier directive and ongoing public concerns, construction activities were observed continuing across the site during Monday’s visit, with multiple structures already erected.

Efforts to obtain an update from the FCT Development Control Department on the status of the verification process and the legality of ongoing construction were unsuccessful as of press time.

The post Construction Advances on Wuye Hospital Land Despite Residents’ Opposition appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Marking its 15th anniversary with a renewed focus on bridging the housing gap, the company is rolling out initiatives that prioritize affordability, accessibility, and sustainability in home development.

At the anniversary celebration in Abuja, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Professor Festus Uwakhemen, emphasized the importance of providing quality housing solutions that cater to all Nigerians, regardless of financial status.

He acknowledged that homeownership remains a distant dream for many, primarily due to skyrocketing real estate prices and economic constraints.

However, he reassured the public that the firm is determined to change that narrative by offering low-cost housing without compromising quality.

“Housing is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” Uwakhemen stated. “Unfortunately, many Nigerians, especially those in the low-income bracket, find it nearly impossible to afford a decent home. At our company, we see this as a challenge that must be addressed, and we are taking deliberate steps to ensure that more individuals and families can secure a place they can proudly call home.”

Reinforcing this commitment, the company’s Managing Director, Shola Peters, shared insights into their ongoing and future projects.

She revealed that the firm has embarked on several large-scale developments tailored to low-income earners, one of which is a 700-plot residential estate in Orozo, Nasarawa State.

According to her, this initiative is designed to provide quality, affordable housing options in a rapidly developing region.

Peters further highlighted the financial constraints many aspiring homeowners face and the company’s strategy to alleviate such burdens.

“We understand that affordability is a major concern for many Nigerians,” she said. “That’s why we are working hand in hand with mortgage banks and other financial institutions to provide flexible payment plans that make homeownership more realistic and accessible. Our goal is to remove the financial barriers that prevent people from owning homes.”

Beyond Nasarawa, the firm is expanding its footprint with affordable housing projects in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Edo State, as disclosed by the company’s Chief Operations Manager, Joseph Akpezi.

He underscored that the firm is not merely building houses but creating sustainable communities where families can thrive.

“The demand for affordable housing continues to grow, and we are fully committed to meeting this need,” Akpezi affirmed. “We are introducing innovative housing solutions that not only meet industry standards but also align with the economic realities of everyday Nigerians. Our long-term vision is encapsulated in our motto—‘Shelter for All.’”

As part of its broader efforts, the company is also exploring partnerships with government agencies, private investors, and federal mortgage institutions to introduce low-interest housing loans and flexible mortgage options.

Akpezi stressed that homeownership should not be an exclusive privilege for the wealthy but an attainable goal for all hardworking Nigerians.

With an ambitious expansion plan and a clear mission to redefine affordable housing in Nigeria, the firm is positioning itself as a trusted name in the real estate sector.

By providing practical solutions and easing the financial burden of homeownership, the company offers renewed hope to low-income earners striving for a place to call home.

The post Bringing Homes Within Reach: Firm Vows to Tackle Housing Crisis for Low-Income Earners appeared first on Housing TV Africa.