Amnesty International Nigeria has called on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to suspend planned demolition activities around a utility corridor in Maitama, Abuja. The organisation expressed concerns over the potential risks to public safety, flooding, and critical drainage infrastructure. According to Amnesty International Nigeria's Executive Director, Isa Sanusi, the corridor in question, designated as Plot 5334, accommodates underground stormwater and sewage drainage infrastructure constructed by Julius Berger Plc between 2012 and 2014.
The proposed development of Plot 5334 for private construction has raised serious concerns about public safety, environmental protection, and the integrity of Abuja's Master Plan. Amnesty International Nigeria warned that proceeding with the demolition before resolving outstanding legal and technical issues could expose neighbouring properties and public infrastructure to risks. The organisation also stated that concerns about the proposed development have been raised through administrative petitions, while litigation seeking to restrain the development of the plot for private residential use is ongoing.
An alternative dispute resolution process before the FCT Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee is nearing completion. Despite these developments, the Director of Development Control issued a demolition notice dated October 9, 2026, targeting protective boundary structures along the corridor. Amnesty International Nigeria expressed concern that proceeding with demolition before resolving outstanding issues could undermine due process and prejudice ongoing efforts to resolve the dispute.
The organisation also expressed concern about the potential impact of the proposed development on its national office, nearby residential premises, and national security facilities. Interference with the drainage infrastructure could obstruct stormwater flows, increase flooding risks, and expose surrounding properties and communities to environmental hazards. Amnesty International Nigeria had written to Wike and the FCDA in May 2026, warning that construction on the corridor could threaten the structural stability of its building and nearby residential premises.
Amnesty International Nigeria called for an independent technical assessment of the corridor to determine its drainage capacity, the implications of construction, and the potential risks to neighbouring properties and public infrastructure. The organisation also urged the authorities to disclose allocation records, planning approvals, technical assessments, and the legal basis for permitting private development on land reportedly reserved for public infrastructure.
A temporary suspension of the demolition plans would allow outstanding issues to be addressed without risking irreversible damage to public infrastructure, neighbouring properties, or the environment. Amnesty International Nigeria urged the FCT authorities to respect due process, ensure that affected parties have access to justice, and take steps to protect essential public infrastructure. The protection of Abuja's critical infrastructure, public safety, and the environment must take precedence over private development interests where these conflict.
Key points
- Amnesty International Nigeria urges FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to suspend planned demolition activities around a utility corridor in Maitama, Abuja, pending a review of its allocation for private real estate development.
- The proposed development of Plot 5334 has raised concerns about public safety, environmental protection, and the integrity of Abuja's Master Plan.
- Amnesty International Nigeria calls for an independent technical assessment of the corridor to determine its drainage capacity and potential risks to neighbouring properties and public infrastructure.
