Oluwafunbi Bello 
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike inspecting illegal buildings on embassy land in Katampe Abuja
ABUJA, Nigeria – Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has ordered the demolition of illegal structures built on land allocated to foreign embassies in Katampe Extension, Abuja.
Wike issues the directive on Friday during an inspection of infrastructure projects across the capital city.
The minister says the plots were originally allocated to diplomatic missions in March 2008, but an unauthorised developer allegedly seized the land and began construction without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority.
“This land was allocated to various embassies in 2008. Somebody just came here, took the land and started developing it without approval. We cannot allow this kind of land invasion,” Wike says.
Diplomatic missions affected include Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal and the Palestine Liberation Organisation.
Part of the land had also been designated for a 132/133KV power station for the former Power Holding Company of Nigeria.
Wike says the FCT Administration has instructed the Department of Development Control to demolish all structures built illegally on the land.
“I have told them to bring down every building standing on this land,” the minister says.
He adds that the suspected developer has been arrested and will soon face prosecution, while affected embassies will be formally notified to reclaim their allocated plots.
Officials say the move forms part of efforts to protect diplomatic property and enforce urban planning regulations in Abuja.
About the Author
Korede Abdullah 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
