The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Wednesday, took a hardline stance by demolishing a newly erected structure at the upscale River Park Estate in a forceful move to enforce a ministerial directive halting all development in the estate.

The operation, led by the director of the Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, marked the latest escalation in a protracted battle against what the Administration described as ‘illegal construction in defiance of an order from the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike.’

This visit was the latest in a series of enforcement actions. The FCTA had previously stopped the development of over 30 substructures at the estate in September for violating planning regulations.

Galadima expressed frustration that despite these efforts, the developer had resumed work.

“We are here to ensure total compliance with the ministerial directive that no development should be allowed in the River Park Estate.

“We got a report that there is an ongoing development. That is why we rushed to ensure that the development is stopped and the structure being put up is removed,” he explained.

The conflict stemmed from the findings of an ad-hoc committee inaugurated by Minister Wike on August 8, 2025, to resolve controversies surrounding the estate.

The committee confirmed the revocation of undeveloped plots due to the expiration and breach of the Development Lease Agreement.

While it recommended that residents with valid “customary” titles who built according to regulations be allowed to stay, it explicitly directed that all vacant plots be reverted to the FCTA, halting any new construction.

Galadima confirmed that the developer was fully aware of the order. “He is very much aware because there was a large publicity that there was a ministerial committee recommendation and approval that for now, no further development should take place,” he said.

When questioned on the cost and inefficiency of repeated enforcement visits, the director revealed a strategic shift that the department is now pursuing legal channels to secure a permanent solution.

“Yeah, we are liaising with our Legal Secretariat to see that this action may be taken up legally so that we don’t come back again.

“Maybe there is a perception that he can do as he pleases, but you see, nobody is above government. We have done the kinetic aspect; now we are taking it up legally to ensure that we don’t come back again,” he said.

Galadima further said that the next steps would be determined after consultations with the Legal Secretariat, signalling that the administration’s patience has worn thin and a courtroom battle may be imminent.

“At this moment, I can’t say anything because, as I said earlier, I am going to consult the Legal Secretariat on what next line of action should be taken,” he added. (LEADERSHIP)

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