Suspend Demolitions, Review Allocation Of Maitama Utility Corridor, Amnesty International Tells Wike

Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and other relevant authorities to suspend all planned demolition activities that could pave the way for the development of a green area protecting a critical public utility corridor in Cadastral Zone A06, Maitama, Abuja.

It also urged Wike to urgently review its allocation to a private entity for private real estate development.

The organisation said that 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.

It said that the development for private construction raises serious concerns about public safety, environmental protection, drainage infrastructure and the integrity of Abuja’s Master Plan.

“These concerns have repeatedly been brought to the attention of the authorities through administrative petitions. They are heightened by ongoing litigation seeking interlocutory injunctions to restrain development of Plot 5334 for private residential use and to protect its adjacent property pending determination of the substantive suit. The application raises important questions about the land’s designation, its alleged function as a drainage corridor and the potential consequences of private development,” a statement by Amnesty International read in part.

“The litigation is also taking place against the background of an alternative dispute resolution process before the FCT ADR Committee, which Amnesty International Nigeria understands is nearing completion. The FCDA has reportedly inspected the site and confirmed that it is reserved for an infrastructure corridor. These circumstances make it particularly important that the relevant authorities resolve the outstanding legal, administrative and technical issues before taking steps that could cause irreversible harm.”

It, however, stated that despite these concerns, “the Director of Development Control has issued a demolition notice dated 9 October 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.

“The proposed development also raises serious concerns for neighbouring properties, including Amnesty International Nigeria’s National Office, residential premises and nearby national security facilities,” it said.

Environmental Impact

The organisation further said that any interference with the drainage infrastructure could obstruct stormwater flows, increase flood risks and expose surrounding properties and communities to significant environmental hazards.

“In correspondence to Mr. Nyesom Wike and the FCDA in May 2026, Amnesty International Nigeria warned that construction on the corridor could threaten the structural stability of its building and residential premises and expose the premises to severe flooding. The organisation further cautioned that the corridor serves a wider drainage function and that obstructing it could disrupt drainage systems and increase flooding risks across the district,” it said.

“Amnesty International Nigeria reiterates these concerns and calls for an independent technical assessment of the corridor, including its drainage capacity, the consequences of construction on the site and the potential risks to neighbouring properties and public infrastructure. Decisions affecting critical utility corridors must be guided by verifiable technical evidence, applicable laws and the public interest.”

“Amnesty International Nigeria therefore calls on the FCT Minister, the FCDA and other relevant authorities to immediately suspend all planned demolition activities affecting the corridor pending an urgent legal and technical review, including consideration of the ongoing litigation and alternative dispute resolution process,” the statement added.

It also called for a review of the alleged allocation of Plot 5334 and disclosure of the relevant allocation records, planning approvals, technical assessments and legal basis for permitting private development on land reportedly reserved for critical public infrastructure.

Amnesty International urged the authorities to commission an independent technical assessment of the corridor and its drainage infrastructure, and ensure that no development proceeds until the risks to public safety, neighbouring properties and the environment have been properly evaluated.

The organisation also urged them to respect due process and the rule of law, ensure that all affected parties have access to justice and effective remedies, and take steps to protect essential 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. A temporary suspension would allow these issues to be addressed without risking irreversible damage to public infrastructure, neighbouring properties or the environment,” it stated.

“Amnesty International Nigeria urges the FCT Minister to ensure that the relevant authorities act lawfully, transparently and in the public interest. The protection of Abuja’s critical infrastructure, public safety and the environment must take precedence over private development interests where these conflict.”