Amnesty International Nigeria has urged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to suspend planned demolitions around Plot 5334 in Maitama, Abuja, citing concerns over drainage infrastructure, flooding risks and ongoing legal proceedings.
The organisation also called for an urgent review of the alleged allocation of the land to a private entity for real estate development.
In a statement, Amnesty International Nigeria said the disputed plot in Cadastral Zone A06 reportedly accommodates underground stormwater and sewage drainage infrastructure constructed by Julius Berger Plc between 2012 and 2014 to address flooding risks.
It warned that allowing private construction on the site could threaten public safety, neighbouring properties, the environment and the integrity of Abuja’s Master Plan.
Amnesty Raises Concerns Over Demolition Notice
The organisation said the dispute had been brought to the attention of relevant authorities through administrative petitions. It added that litigation seeking interlocutory injunctions was ongoing to restrain the proposed residential development and protect an adjacent property pending the determination of the substantive suit.
According to Amnesty International Nigeria, the dispute is also before the FCT Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, where the process is reportedly nearing completion.
It further stated that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had inspected the site and confirmed that it was reserved for an infrastructure corridor.
Despite these developments, the organisation said the Director of Development Control issued a demolition notice dated 9 October 2026, reportedly targeting protective boundary structures along the corridor.
Amnesty International Nigeria warned that proceeding with the demolition before resolving the outstanding legal, administrative and technical issues could undermine due process and expose neighbouring properties and essential infrastructure to avoidable risks.
It also expressed concern over potential implications for its National Office, residential premises and nearby national security facilities.
Amnesty Warns of Flooding and Environmental Risks
The organisation said interference with the drainage infrastructure could obstruct stormwater flows, increase flooding risks and expose surrounding communities and properties to environmental hazards.
It recalled that, in correspondence to Wike and the FCDA in May 2026, it warned that construction on the corridor could threaten the structural stability of its building and nearby residential premises.
The organisation also maintained that the corridor serves a wider drainage function and that obstructing it could disrupt drainage systems across the district.
Amnesty International Nigeria called for an independent technical assessment to determine the corridor’s drainage capacity, the consequences of construction and the potential risks to neighbouring properties and public infrastructure.
It stressed that decisions affecting critical utility corridors should be based on verifiable technical evidence, applicable laws and the public interest.
Calls for Review of Plot Allocation
The organisation urged Wike, the FCDA and other relevant authorities to immediately suspend planned demolition activities affecting the corridor pending an urgent legal and technical review.
It also called for a review of the alleged allocation of Plot 5334 and the disclosure of relevant allocation records, planning approvals, technical assessments and the legal basis for permitting private development on land reportedly reserved for critical public infrastructure.
Amnesty International Nigeria further urged the authorities to ensure that no development proceeds until the potential risks to public safety, neighbouring properties and the environment have been properly evaluated.
It called on the authorities to respect due process and the rule of law, guarantee affected parties access to justice and effective remedies, and protect essential public infrastructure.
“The authorities must not allow demolition to proceed in circumstances where serious questions about the land’s designation, the safety implications of the proposed development and the applicable legal processes remain unresolved,” the organisation stated.
It added that a temporary suspension would allow the outstanding issues to be addressed without risking irreversible damage to public infrastructure, neighbouring properties or the environment.
Amnesty International Nigeria urged the FCT Minister to ensure that the relevant authorities act lawfully, transparently and in the public interest, stressing that Abuja’s critical infrastructure, public safety and environmental protection must be considered where they conflict with private development interests.
