The Senate has called on Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to immediately stop the ongoing demolitions in Abuja.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Ireti Kingibe, the senator representing the FCT, during Thursday’s plenary session. Kingibe expressed concern over the widespread demolitions, citing the hardships they impose on affected residents.
Wike has faced criticism for authorizing extensive demolition activities in Abuja. Recently, Paullosa Nigeria Limited, a construction company, raised alarm over a demolition notice served by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) targeting its estate in the Lifecamp area.
Vincent Enoghase, General Manager of the estate, told journalists on Tuesday that the FCDA had demanded ₦10 million for a Right of Occupancy. Despite paying the sum, the company had not received the document before receiving a quit notice.
On Wednesday, a viral video featuring social media commentator Vincent Martins Otse, also known as “VeryDarkMan,” alleged that the FCT Minister had revoked the estate’s land title and reallocated it to Saravera Nigeria Limited and Kingsley Chinda, the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives. Otse called on security agencies to investigate, claiming the land initially belonged to Nigeria’s first army cadet, who passed away four years ago.
During the Senate session, Kingibe highlighted the plight of victims, emphasizing that the demolitions were causing significant suffering and financial losses. She urged the Senate to intervene and halt further demolitions, including those targeting estates already marked for destruction.
Parts of her motion stated:
- The demolitions in the FCT are reportedly no longer adhering to due process or court orders.
- Individuals and businesses have suffered property losses worth billions of naira.
- The rationale provided by the FCT administration for these demolitions—such as the presence of illegal structures or non-development of allocated plots—may not align with the actual operations.
Kingibe cited the example of Paullosa Estate, chaired by the late Colonel Paul Osang Kwanwa, which faces revocation and demolition. The plot was reportedly allocated to Kwanwa in 1984, with all requisite documentation in place.
The Senate resolved to investigate the matter and urged the Minister to halt all demolition activities pending further review.
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Opeoluwa Benson – Content Researcher
