The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Wednesday demolished about 35 structures at the River Park Estate, Abuja, citing violations of planning regulations and disregard for ministerial directives.
Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, who supervised the exercise, said the affected developers continued construction despite the withdrawal of their lease agreements and warnings to stop work. He noted that undeveloped plots within the estate had been ordered reverted to the FCTA following recommendations of a ministerial committee.
“We received reports that some developers were working day and night to develop these plots. We served them notice to stop, but they continued. That is why we are removing the excavations and structures,” Galadima said. He warned that further illegal developments would be swiftly removed and violators could face prosecution.
On claims linking Paulo Homes to the site, Galadima said the legal secretariat would clarify ownership, stressing that the Development Lease Agreements (DLAs) for the affected plots had expired.
The ad-hoc committee on River Park Estate, led by Salmon Dako, had recommended revocation of undeveloped plots over expired DLAs, breaches, and the need to reassert administrative control under Clause 9.2 of the agreement. Holders of valid customary titles, however, were allowed to retain their plots.
One affected resident, Chimdi Obwe, lamented the action, saying his family had been displaced. “My fence was demolished, and now I cannot access our cars. We are all packed out. This has caused immense difficulty for my family,” he said.
