The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has stopped illegal building activities and demolished over 30 unauthorized foundations at River Park Estate, citing violations of planning rules and revoked lease agreements.
According to the FCTA, some developers continued construction despite the withdrawal of their leases and a ministerial committee’s recommendation that all undeveloped plots in the estate should be reclaimed by the government.
The Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, led the enforcement exercise on Wednesday after receiving reports that developers were working day and night to beat the directive.
“About a week ago, at the Honorable Minister’s office, two committees submitted reports. One of them focused on River Park Estate. The main recommendation was to return all undeveloped plots to the FCTA,” Galadima explained.
“Even though we issued stop-work notices, we arrived this morning to find construction still going on. So, we demolished the excavations and foundations on the site,” he added.
Galadima confirmed that more than 30 foundations were already dug but assured that they would be covered and removed again if re-dug. “Whoever we catch developing illegally will be stopped. This is just the beginning,” he warned.
When asked about rumors that Paulo Homes was behind the projects, Galadima referred to the FCTA Legal Secretariat. He explained that, according to the committee’s report, the development lease agreement had already expired.
He stressed that the government would not tolerate any more illegal development. “If work starts again, we will demolish it, and prosecution may follow. People may protest, but the law must be respected,” he said.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had earlier set up an ad-hoc committee on August 8, 2025, to address controversies around River Park Estate.
The committee, led by Salman Dako, submitted its report last week. It recommended revoking undeveloped plots because of expired and violated lease agreements, while also restoring 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—who followed building regulations—to keep their lands. This decision was based on an existing court judgment.
Meanwhile, residents around River Park Estate are already feeling the effects of the enforcement. Pastor Chimdi Obwe, who lives in the nearby Ciarudi area, said access to his home has been restricted.
“I have been blocked from entering my house for a long time. The only exit we had was suddenly closed, and part of my fence was demolished. Now my children and I struggle to reach our cars,” he lamented.
