The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to stop all forms of illegal construction and land grabbing within Abuja, regardless of the individuals or institutions involved.
The declaration followed a tense confrontation on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, between the Minister’s inspection team and officers of the Nigerian Navy at Gaduwa District, along the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way corridor. The altercation occurred during an official visit to halt unauthorized building activities in the area.
According to reports, the FCT Minister, accompanied by top officials, including the Director of Development Control, Town Planner Mukhtar Galadima, arrived at the disputed site, where an unapproved structure was under construction. The inspection team, however, was allegedly prevented from accessing the property by naval officers claiming to be acting on orders from a former Chief of Naval Staff, who is reportedly behind the ongoing development.
Wike condemned the obstruction and described it as a clear case of lawlessness, insisting that no one, no matter how highly placed, would be allowed to violate the laws of the Federal Capital Territory.
“The way we have handled illegal developments in other parts of Abuja is exactly how we will handle this one. He will not continue with this illegal construction simply because he once served as Chief of Naval Staff,” the Minister stated firmly. “We will not allow land grabbing or unapproved development, no matter the name involved.”
Addressing journalists shortly after the encounter, Wike expressed strong disapproval of the naval officers’ conduct, describing their interference as an affront to civil authority and the rule of law.
“I instructed the Development Control Department to stop every activity on this site since there are no valid title documents or building approvals,” he explained. “However, when they came to enforce the directive, the military chased them away. Today, I came personally to see that the same military has occupied the site. This cannot be allowed to stand.”
The Minister questioned why military personnel were being deployed to protect an illegal construction, calling it an abuse of office and power.
“It’s unfortunate,” Wike said. “You heard the officer say he was sent by a former Chief of Naval Staff. How can someone of such stature not follow due process or even approach my office to clarify issues? Instead, he chose to use military influence to intimidate public officials. That era is over.”
He further queried, “If those without connections or uniforms are made to follow the law, why should those with power act above it? What about ordinary Nigerians who have no military backing? The law must be the same for everyone.”
Wike assured that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will not tolerate impunity or compromise its development control standards. He stressed that the enforcement of planning laws was essential to maintaining order, safety, and the integrity of Abuja’s master plan.
The Minister confirmed that he has contacted both the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who have promised to intervene and address the matter swiftly.
Wike reiterated that his administration’s ongoing city clean-up campaign is aimed at restoring sanity, curbing illegal developments, and ensuring that Abuja remains a model capital city governed by law and order.
“No individual, institution, or group has the right to disregard the law. We will continue to protect Abuja’s master plan and ensure fairness, justice, and discipline prevail,” the Minister concluded.
