FCTA Taskforce Halts Construction, Demolishes Illegal Structures at River Park

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken decisive action at the River Park Estate, Lugbe, halting ongoing construction and demolishing over 30 illegal structures. The enforcement, carried out by the FCT Ministerial Task Force, targeted developers who were found to be in violation of both planning regulations and a court order to maintain the status quo.

According to the Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, the demolition was prompted by intelligence reports that developers were hurriedly working day and night to circumvent a ministerial committee’s directive. The committee, which had submitted its report to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, recommended that all undeveloped plots within the estate be reclaimed by the FCTA due to expired lease agreements and a breach of development conditions.

Despite being served with a stop-work notice, some developers reportedly continued with construction, which led the task force to move in and remove the structures and foundations. Galadima confirmed that over 30 foundations had been dug and vowed that any future illegal development would face the same fate, with a warning that prosecution could also follow.

While the FCTA maintains that the action is necessary to enforce order and protect the integrity of Abuja’s master plan, some residents and developers have expressed frustration. The long-standing dispute over ownership and development rights at the estate has been a source of tension in Abuja’s real estate community.