Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate identification and removal of illegal structures along the Southern Parkway corridor in Abuja, warning that encroachment on government land would not be tolerated.
Wike, issued the directive on Tuesday during the flag-off of the construction of the Southern Parkway service carriageways in Gaduwa District.
He directed the Department of Development Control and the Department of Lands to intensify enforcement operations along the project corridor, particularly against developments carried out without valid government allocation.
The minister also expressed concern over what he described as increasing cases of land grabbing and illegal construction on designated infrastructure routes in the capital city.
“All these land grabbers that started to develop land that is not given to them should go down. Heaven will not fall. Heaven will be at peace when things are done properly.”.
He said the FCTA had observed a recurring pattern of individuals allegedly rushing to occupy and develop land earmarked for public infrastructure projects, often using questionable or forged documents.
“We have found out that each time we want to carry out construction, people who have not been genuinely allocated land go in and start developing the land with forged documents. It will not work,” he stated.
Wike directed the Acting Director of Development Control to work in close coordination with the Director of Lands to ensure that all illegal developments within the corridor are identified and removed.
“Tell the Acting Director of Development Control to liaise with the Director of Lands to make sure those that are not given land and have started construction are stopped. It is in vain. We will bring it down,” he said.
He further expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of the Acting Director of Development Control at the event, describing it as unacceptable given the sensitivity of ongoing infrastructure projects.
Wike warned that senior officials must remain fully engaged with developments within their areas of responsibility, especially strategic projects linked to the Abuja Master Plan.
The Southern Parkway service carriageways project is expected to improve connectivity within the Southern Development Corridor, ease traffic congestion and enhance access to rapidly growing districts, including Gaduwa, Gudu, Durumi and adjoining communities.
