File photo: FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Amnesty International Nigeria has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to suspend planned demolition activities around a utility corridor in Maitama, Abuja, pending a review of its allocation for private real estate development.
The organisation also called on the Federal Capital Development Authority and other relevant authorities to review the alleged allocation of Plot 5334 in Cadastral Zone A06, citing concerns over public safety, flooding and the protection of critical drainage infrastructure.
The Executive Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, made the call in a statement on Sunday, warning that proceeding with the demolition before resolving outstanding legal and technical issues could expose neighbouring properties and public infrastructure to risks.
“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.
“Its development for private construction raises serious concerns about public safety, environmental protection, drainage infrastructure and the integrity of Abuja’s Master Plan,” he said.
According to the organisation, concerns about the proposed development have been raised through administrative petitions, while litigation seeking to restrain the development of the plot for private residential use is ongoing.
It also said an alternative dispute resolution process before the FCT Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee was nearing completion.
Amnesty International Nigeria further stated that the FCDA had reportedly inspected the site and confirmed that it was reserved for an infrastructure corridor.
The organisation said these developments made it necessary for the authorities to resolve the outstanding issues before taking steps that could cause irreversible damage.
Despite the concerns, Sanusi said the Director of Development Control had issued a demolition notice dated October 9, 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,” he said.
The organisation also expressed concern about the potential impact of the proposed development on its national office, nearby residential premises and national security facilities.
It warned that interference with the drainage infrastructure could obstruct stormwater flows, increase flooding risks and expose surrounding properties and communities to environmental hazards.
Sanusi said the organisation had written to Wike and the FCDA in May 2026, warning that construction on the corridor could threaten the structural stability of its building and nearby residential premises.
He added that the corridor served a wider drainage function and that obstructing it could disrupt drainage systems across the district.
Amnesty International Nigeria called for an independent technical assessment of the corridor to determine its drainage capacity, the implications of construction and the potential risks to neighbouring properties and public infrastructure.
It also urged the authorities to disclose the allocation records, planning approvals, technical assessments and legal basis for permitting private development on land reportedly reserved for public infrastructure.
“The authorities must not allow demolition to proceed in circumstances where serious questions about the land’s designation, the safety implications of the proposed development and the applicable legal processes remain unresolved,” Sanusi said.
He added, “A temporary suspension would allow these issues to be addressed without risking irreversible damage to public infrastructure, neighbouring properties or the environment.”
The organisation further urged the FCT authorities to respect due process, ensure that affected parties had access to justice and take steps to protect essential public infrastructure.
“Amnesty International Nigeria urges the FCT Minister to ensure that the relevant authorities act lawfully, transparently and in the public interest,” Sanusi said.
“The protection of Abuja’s critical infrastructure, public safety and the environment must take precedence over private development interests where these conflict,” he added.