The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to halting all forms of illegal construction and land grabbing in the nation’s capital, regardless of those involved.
This declaration followed a tense encounter on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, when officers of the Nigerian Navy reportedly obstructed the Minister and his inspection team during a visit to an unauthorized construction site in Gaduwa District, along the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way corridor in Abuja.
The Minister, who was accompanied by senior officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), including the Director of Development Control, Town Planner Mukhtar Galadima, arrived at the site to inspect an ongoing development allegedly lacking necessary approvals and title documents.
However, the team was denied access by naval officers, who claimed they were acting on the instructions of a former Chief of Naval Staff said to be behind the construction.
According to the statement by Rabi Musa Umar, Assistant Director, Press (Office of the Hon. Minister), Barr. Wike, visibly displeased with the obstruction, maintained that the FCT Administration would not bow to intimidation or allow any individual, regardless of status, to flout the laws governing land use and development control in the territory.
“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,” the Minister stated firmly.
Speaking to journalists after the standoff, Wike condemned the incident as an act of lawlessness, emphasizing that due process must be followed by all citizens, including members of the armed forces.
“I instructed my team to ensure that no activity continues here since there are no legal papers, approvals, or acquisition documents. When they tried to enforce it, the military chased them away. I was later informed that the site had been taken over by military personnel, so I came to see things myself,” he explained.
The Minister questioned the use of military personnel to guard what he described as an illegal construction, stressing that such actions send a dangerous message about impunity and disregard for civil authority.
“It’s unfortunate. You heard the officer say he was sent by the former Chief of Naval Staff. I don’t understand how someone of that rank cannot come to my office to clarify issues. Instead, he uses the military to intimidate others. I will not succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” Wike added.
He further lamented that some individuals undertake developments without legal documents, warning that the FCTA would sustain its enforcement drive to restore order and protect public interest.
“How can we allow lawlessness to prevail? What about those who don’t have access to the military or security? Everyone must obey the law,” he said.
Barr. Wike disclosed that he had reached out to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, both of whom assured him of their intervention to resolve the matter amicably.
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