Amnesty International Nigeria and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Photo: Channels TV
Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and other relevant authorities to suspend all planned demolition activities that could pave the way for the development of a green area protecting a critical public utility corridor in Cadastral Zone A06, Maitama, Abuja.
It also urged Wike to urgently review the allocation to a private entity for private real estate development.
The organisation said that the corridor, designated as Plot 5334, reportedly accommodates underground stormwater and sewage drainage infrastructure constructed by Julius Berger Plc between 2012 and 2014 to address flooding risks in the area.
It said that development for private construction raises serious concerns about public safety, environmental protection, drainage infrastructure and the integrity of Abuja's Master Plan.
"These concerns have repeatedly been brought to the attention of the authorities through administrative petitions. They are heightened by ongoing litigation seeking interlocutory injunctions to restrain development of Plot 5334 for private residential use and to protect its adjacent property pending determination of the substantive suit," a statement by Amnesty International read in part.
"The litigation is also taking place against the background of an alternative dispute resolution process before the FCT ADR Committee, which Amnesty International Nigeria understands is nearing completion. The FCDA has reportedly inspected the site and confirmed that it is reserved for an infrastructure corridor."
However, the organisation stated that despite these concerns, "the Director of Development Control has issued a demolition notice dated 9 October 2026, reportedly targeting protective boundary structures along the corridor".
"Amnesty International Nigeria is concerned that proceeding with demolition before the relevant issues have been properly examined could undermine due process, prejudice ongoing efforts to resolve the dispute and expose neighbouring properties and essential infrastructure to avoidable risks."
The organisation further said that any interference with the drainage infrastructure could obstruct stormwater flows, increase flood risks and expose surrounding properties and communities to significant environmental hazards.
"In correspondence to Mr. Nyesom Wike and the FCDA in May 2026, Amnesty International Nigeria warned that construction on the corridor could threaten the structural stability of its building and residential premises and expose the premises to severe flooding," it said.
Amnesty International called for an independent technical assessment of the corridor, including its drainage capacity, the consequences of construction on the site and the potential risks to neighbouring properties and public infrastructure.
It also called for a review of the alleged allocation of Plot 5334 and disclosure of the relevant allocation records, planning approvals, technical assessments and legal basis for permitting private development on land reportedly reserved for critical public infrastructure.
"A temporary suspension would allow these issues to be addressed without risking irreversible damage to public infrastructure, neighbouring properties or the environment," it stated.
Source: Channels Television
0 Comments