By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has halted the development of more than 30 sub-structures at River Park Estate, Abuja, over planning violations and disregard for revoked land lease agreements.
Officials of the Development Control Department, led by Director Mukhtar Galadima, carried out the enforcement on Wednesday after receiving reports that developers were working round the clock despite earlier stop-work notices. Most of the affected structures were at the foundation or excavation stage.
“Whatever we see on site, we remove it… this is just the beginning,” Galadima said, stressing the need to prevent unlawful occupation and safeguard the Abuja Master Plan.
The action follows recommendations of a ministerial committee inaugurated by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on August 8, 2025, to investigate controversies around River Park Estate.
The committee, chaired by Barr. Salman Dako, submitted its report last week, advising that undeveloped plots revert to the FCTA due to lease violations and expired Development Lease Agreements (DLAs), in line with Clause 9.2 of the DLA.
The committee, however, recommended that individuals holding valid customary titles and whose developments comply with planning regulations should retain ownership, in line with an existing court judgment.
The FCTA has warned that further illegal developments in the estate will be promptly removed as part of ongoing efforts to enforce regulatory control and protect the city’s development standards.
