The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has vowed to stop all forms of illegal construction in Abuja, regardless of who is involved. This follows a confrontation on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, between the Minister’s team and officers of the Nigerian Navy during an inspection of unauthorized developments in Gaduwa District, along the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way corridor in the FCT.
Wike, who was on an inspection tour with the Director of Development Control, Town Planner Mukhtar Galadima, visited the site where an ongoing illegal construction was discovered. However, the team was obstructed by naval officers, who claimed they were acting on instructions allegedly given by a former Chief of Naval Staff reportedly building on the land without title documents or Development Control approval.
Speaking after the incident, the Minister made it clear that the FCT Administration would not yield to intimidation or blackmail. He said, “The way we have carried out our job in other areas is the same way it will be done here. He will not carry out this illegal development and land grabbing, simply because he was a former Chief of Naval Staff. I will not allow that.”
Addressing journalists shortly after the standoff, Wike described the action of the military officers as lawless and unacceptable. He emphasized that his administration would ensure that all developments in the FCT comply strictly with the law, adding that no individual, no matter their status, would be allowed to abuse the system.
He said, “I did instruct them [FCTA officials] to make sure that nothing takes place, in as much as they did not have any legal paper in terms of building approval or even acquisition of the land. When they came here, I was informed that the military chased them away. So, today, I was called that the military have taken over the place and I had to come to see things for myself.”
The Minister questioned the use of military personnel to secure what he called a clear case of illegal construction and land grabbing. “It’s really unfortunate, and you heard what the officer said, he was sent by the former Chief of Naval Staff. I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position and he sees that he has a problem, cannot approach my office to explain what is going on. Or simply because he’s a military man, he felt he could use that to intimidate Nigerians. I’m not one of those kinds of persons that will succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” he stated.
Wike further expressed concern over the disregard for established laws guiding land use and development in the capital city. “You can imagine where you cannot even prove that you have the documents. You don’t have the title documents and you don’t have the approval for building. How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country? What about those who don’t have the military? What about those who don’t have security?” he queried.
The Minister confirmed that he has contacted the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff regarding the matter, and both have assured him that they will step in to resolve the situation.
