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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has ordered the cessation of illegal building activities and demolished more than 30 unauthorized foundations at River Park Estate, citing breaches of planning rules and revoked lease agreements.
The affected developers were said to have proceeded with construction despite the FCTA’s withdrawal of their leases and a ministerial committee’s recommendation that all undeveloped plots in the estate be reclaimed by the Administration.
The Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, led the enforcement operation on Wednesday after receiving intelligence that developers were working around the clock to outrun the directive.
“About a week ago, we had an event at the Honourable Minister’s office where two committees presented their reports. One was specifically on the River Park estate issues. The key recommendation was to revert all undeveloped plots to the FCT Administration,” Galadima explained.
“Despite notices served to halt work, we arrived this morning to find construction ongoing. Consequently, we removed the excavations and foundations currently on site,” he added.
Galadima confirmed that over 30 building foundations had been dug but assured they would be covered and removed if they reappear. “Whoever we catch developing will be stopped. This is just the beginning,” he said firmly.
Addressing rumors implicating Paulo Homes as the developer behind the constructions, Galadima deferred to the FCTA Legal Secretariat for clarification. “According to the committee’s report, the development lease agreement in question has expired,” he noted.
He warned of zero tolerance for further illegal development, emphasizing, “If construction resumes, removal will follow, and prosecution may be next. Naturally, some will protest, but the law must be upheld.”
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had inaugurated an ad-hoc committee on August 8, 2025, to address ongoing controversies linked to River Park Estate.
The committee, chaired by Salman Dako, submitted its findings last week, recommending the revocation of undeveloped plots due to expired and violated development lease agreements (DLA) and the need to restore FCTA’s administrative control as provided under Clause 9.2 of the DLA.
However, the committee allowed holders of prior “customary” titles within the estate boundaries—who complied with building regulations—to retain their lands. This decision aligns with a standing court judgment referenced in the report.
Residents near River Park Estate are already feeling the impact. Pastor Chimdi Obwe of the nearby Ciarudi area lamented restricted access to his home due to the ongoing enforcement.
“I have been blocked from entering my house for a long time. The only exit they gave us was suddenly closed, and my fence was demolished. My children and I now struggle to get to our cars,” he said, describing the difficulties caused by the situation.
