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 over public safety, flooding, and the protection of critical drainage infrastructure. According to Amnesty International Nigeria, the corridor, designated as Plot 5334, accommodates underground stormwater and sewage drainage infrastructure constructed by Julius Berger Plc between 2012 and 2014.
The Executive Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, made the call in a statement, warning 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 development of the corridor for private construction raises serious concerns about public safety, environmental protection, drainage infrastructure, and the integrity of Abuja's Master Plan.
Amnesty International Nigeria further 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 was nearing completion. The organisation also said the FCDA had reportedly inspected the site and confirmed that it was reserved for an infrastructure corridor.
Despite the concerns, Sanusi said the Director of Development Control had issued a demolition notice dated October 9, 2026, reportedly targeting protective boundary structures along the corridor. Amnesty International Nigeria is concerned that proceeding with demolition before the relevant issues have been properly examined could undermine due process, prejudice ongoing efforts to resolve the dispute, and expose neighbouring properties and essential infrastructure to avoidable risks.
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. Sanusi said the organisation 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 the allocation records, planning approvals, technical assessments, and legal basis for permitting private development on land reportedly reserved for public infrastructure.
Key issues have been raised regarding the proposed development, including concerns over public safety and environmental protection. The organisation's concerns have been conveyed through various channels, including administrative petitions and litigation. The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the FCDA have been urged to take immediate action to address these concerns and ensure that due process is followed.
Key points
- Amnesty International Nigeria urges FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to suspend planned demolition activities around a utility corridor in Maitama, Abuja.
- The organisation expresses concerns over public safety, flooding, and the protection of critical drainage infrastructure.
- An independent technical assessment of the corridor has been called for to determine its drainage capacity and potential risks.
