Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to suspend planned demolition activities around a utility corridor in Maitama, Abuja. The organisation expressed concerns about public safety, flooding and the protection of critical drainage infrastructure. According to Amnesty International, the corridor accommodates underground stormwater and sewage drainage infrastructure constructed by Julius Berger Plc between 2012 and 2014 to address flooding risks in the area.
The Executive Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, warned that proceeding with the demolition before resolving outstanding legal and technical issues could expose neighbouring properties and public infrastructure to risks. Sanusi stated that the proposed development of the site for private residential use raised concerns about environmental protection, drainage systems and compliance with Abuja’s Master Plan. The organisation also noted that legal proceedings seeking to restrain development on the plot were ongoing.
Amnesty International said the FCDA had inspected the site and reportedly confirmed that it was reserved for an infrastructure corridor. Despite these outstanding issues, the organisation said the Director of Development Control had issued a demolition notice dated October 9, 2026, targeting protective boundary structures along the corridor. Sanusi warned that proceeding with the demolition before the relevant legal, administrative and technical questions had been resolved could undermine due process.
The organisation expressed particular concern about the potential impact on its national office, nearby residential premises and national security facilities. Amnesty International also warned that interference with the drainage infrastructure could obstruct stormwater flows, increase flooding risks and expose surrounding communities to environmental hazards. The organisation had written to Wike and the FCDA in May 2026 to raise concerns that construction on the corridor could threaten the structural stability of its building and nearby residential properties.
Amnesty International called for an independent technical assessment to determine the corridor’s drainage capacity, the potential consequences of construction and the risks to neighbouring properties and public infrastructure. The organisation also urged the authorities to disclose the relevant land allocation records, planning approvals, technical assessments and legal basis for permitting private development on land reportedly reserved for public infrastructure.
The organisation maintained that demolition activities should be suspended until the outstanding legal and technical issues had been properly examined. Amnesty International urged the FCT authorities to respect due process, ensure that affected parties had access to justice and protect essential public infrastructure, public safety and the environment. The organisation also noted that an alternative dispute resolution process before the FCT Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee was reportedly nearing completion.
Amnesty International’s concerns have sparked a renewed debate about the balance between development and environmental protection in Abuja. The organisation's call for a suspension of the demolition activities has highlighted the need for a thorough examination of the potential risks and consequences of the proposed development. The FCT authorities have yet to respond to Amnesty International's concerns, but the organisation's statement has brought attention to the issue.
Key points
- Amnesty International Nigeria urges FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to suspend Maitama demolition over flood risks.
- The demolition activities pose risks to neighbouring properties, public infrastructure and the environment.
- Amnesty International calls for an independent technical assessment to determine the corridor’s drainage capacity.
