Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to immediately halt planned demolition activities affecting a designated public utility corridor in the Maitama district of Abuja, according to a report by Daily Trust.
The human rights organisation warned that proceeding with the proposed demolition and subsequent private development at Plot 5334 in Cadastral Zone A06 poses severe threats to essential drainage systems, heightens flooding hazards, and violates the established Abuja Master Plan.
Threats to Drainage and Infrastructure
In a formal statement, Amnesty International Nigeria urged the minister alongside the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to re-evaluate the reported allocation of the plot to Hammari Energy Limited for private residential construction. The organisation highlighted that the corridor contains critical underground stormwater and sewage drainage networks constructed by Julius Berger Plc between 2012 and 2014 specifically to alleviate flooding in the area.
The group noted that commercial or residential construction over the utility site could severely impair the area’s drainage capacity, expose neighbouring properties to structural hazards, and disrupt broader district-wide drainage systems.
Pending Litigation and Dispute Resolution
The call for suspension comes amid active legal challenges. A lawsuit is currently before the courts seeking interlocutory injunctions to halt private residential development on Plot 5334 and safeguard an adjoining property pending final judgement. Concurrently, the matter is under review by the FCT Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Committee, a process reportedly approaching conclusion.
According to Amnesty International Nigeria, the FCDA previously inspected the site and confirmed that the land was earmarked as an infrastructure corridor. However, the Director of Development Control served a demolition notice dated October 9, 2026, aimed at protective boundary structures along the utility belt.
Amnesty warned that executing the demolition notice bypasses due process and risks prejudicing both the ADR proceedings and ongoing litigation.
Potential Impact on Surrounding Properties
The organisation disclosed that the proposed development threatens several nearby facilities, including its own national headquarters, adjacent residential buildings, and nearby national security facilities. Amnesty noted that it had previously communicated its concerns in writing to Wike and the FCDA in May 2026, cautioning that interference with the corridor could compromise structural stability and cause severe flooding.
To prevent irreversible environmental and infrastructural damage, Amnesty International Nigeria has demanded an independent technical evaluation to verify the drainage corridor’s capacity and determine the safety implications for adjoining properties. It further urged authorities to make public all land allocation records, technical reviews, and statutory approvals regarding the parcel.