RismadarVoice Reporters
October 11, 2026
Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to suspend a planned demolition in Maitama, Abuja, over concerns about the possible impact of private development on critical drainage infrastructure and neighbouring properties.
The organisation urged the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and other relevant agencies to review the allocation of Plot 5334 in Cadastral Zone A06, which it said forms part of a utility corridor serving surrounding properties.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Amnesty International Nigeria’s Executive Director, Isa Sanusi, warned that proceeding with the demolition before resolving outstanding legal and technical concerns could expose residents, buildings and public infrastructure to avoidable risks.
According to Sanusi, the affected corridor contains underground stormwater and sewage drainage facilities reportedly constructed by Julius Berger Plc between 2012 and 2014 to address flooding in the area.
He expressed concern that allowing private residential development on the land could interfere with the drainage system, compromise public safety and undermine the provisions of Abuja’s Master Plan.
Amnesty International said administrative petitions had been submitted concerning the proposed development, while a court case seeking to prevent the land from being used for private residential purposes remained pending.
The organisation also disclosed that an alternative dispute resolution process before the FCT Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee was approaching completion.
It further claimed that an inspection conducted by the FCDA had identified the affected land as an infrastructure corridor.
Despite these developments, Sanusi said the Director of Development Control had issued a demolition notice dated October 9, 2026, targeting protective boundary structures around the disputed area.
Amnesty International questioned the timing of the proposed demolition, arguing that the authorities should first establish the legal status of the land and determine whether the planned development could interfere with existing public infrastructure.
The organisation warned that disturbing the drainage facilities could obstruct stormwater movement, increase the risk of flooding and threaten the structural integrity of neighbouring buildings.
Sanusi said the potential consequences extended beyond Amnesty International’s national office to nearby residential properties and security facilities.
He disclosed that the organisation had written to Wike and the FCDA in May 2026, drawing attention to the possible environmental and structural implications of construction activities along the corridor.
According to him, the drainage infrastructure serves a wider section of Maitama, making it necessary to assess the implications of any development before construction or demolition activities proceed.
Amnesty International consequently called for an independent technical assessment of the corridor to determine its drainage capacity, establish the potential effects of the proposed development and identify risks to adjoining properties.
It also requested public clarification of the land allocation process, relevant planning approvals, technical evaluations and the legal basis for permitting private construction on land reportedly designated for public infrastructure.
The organisation maintained that suspending the demolition temporarily would allow the relevant authorities to examine the disputed issues without exposing essential infrastructure to potentially irreversible damage.
Sanusi further urged the FCT administration to respect due process, protect the rights of affected parties and ensure that public safety considerations guide decisions concerning the land.
Amnesty International said the proposed demolition should remain suspended until the outstanding legal, planning and environmental concerns had been adequately addressed.
The organisation’s allegations concerning the land designation and potential drainage risks have not been independently established. The statement did not include a response from the FCT administration or the FCDA to the specific concerns raised.
