Abuja demolitions: Senator Kingibe accuses Minister Wike of ignoring Senate order

Senator Ireti Kingibe has accused Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike of continuing building demolitions and land revocations in Abuja despite a Senate directive to suspend such activities. The Senate had ordered a halt to these actions pending an investigation by an ad hoc committee into the protection of Abuja’s designated green areas and service corridors, which are reserved for infrastructure like water, sewage, and electricity.

While the Senate directed a suspension to allow for investigation, Kingibe alleges that the FCT administration has proceeded with demolitions and that the investigative committee has yet to convene.

Simultaneously, reports indicate that despite Minister Wike’s recent orders to clear structures obstructing waterways and green areas to prevent flooding, many locations in districts such as Maitama Extension, Wuse, Durumi, Gaduwa, and Gudu remain uncleared. Residents and experts have expressed concerns that the continued conversion of parks and green spaces for residential and commercial use is distorting the Abuja master plan and could exacerbate flooding and environmental pressure.