Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to put a hold on scheduled demolition exercises targeting a public utility corridor situated in Maitama, Abuja, until the area’s allocation for private real estate development undergoes a thorough review.
The organisation said the proposed demolition and development of Plot 5334 in Cadastral Zone A06 could threaten critical drainage infrastructure, increase flooding risks and undermine Abuja’s Master Plan.
In a statement, Amnesty International Nigeria called on the FCT Minister, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and other relevant authorities to review the alleged allocation of the land to Hammari Energy Limited for private real estate development.
The organisation said the corridor reportedly accommodates underground stormwater and sewage drainage infrastructure constructed by Julius Berger Plc between 2012 and 2014 to address flooding risks in the area.
It expressed concern that allowing private construction on the site could interfere with the drainage system, endanger neighbouring properties and expose residents to environmental hazards.
The call comes amid ongoing litigation seeking interlocutory injunctions to restrain the development of Plot 5334 for private residential use and protect an adjoining property pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Amnesty International Nigeria said the dispute was also the subject of an alternative dispute resolution process before the FCT ADR Committee, which it understood was nearing completion.
According to the organisation, the FCDA had inspected the site and reportedly confirmed that it was reserved for an infrastructure corridor.
It argued that the outstanding legal, administrative and technical issues should be resolved before any action that could cause irreversible damage to public infrastructure or neighbouring properties.
However, the organisation said the Director of Development Control issued a demolition notice dated October 9, 2026, reportedly targeting protective boundary structures along the corridor.
Amnesty International Nigeria warned that proceeding with the demolition before a proper review could undermine due process, prejudice ongoing efforts to resolve the dispute and expose surrounding properties to avoidable risks.
It also identified its national office, residential premises and nearby national security facilities as properties that could be affected by the proposed development.
The organisation said it 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 residential premises while exposing them to severe flooding.
It maintained that the corridor served a wider drainage function and that obstructing it could disrupt drainage systems across the district.
Amnesty International Nigeria called for an independent technical assessment to establish the corridor’s drainage capacity, the potential consequences of construction and the risks to neighbouring properties and public infrastructure.
It said decisions concerning critical utility corridors should be guided by verifiable technical evidence, applicable laws and the public interest.
The organisation urged the FCT authorities to immediately suspend the planned demolition pending an urgent legal and technical review, including consideration of the ongoing litigation and alternative dispute resolution process.
It also called for the disclosure of the relevant land allocation records, planning approvals, technical assessments and legal basis for permitting private development on land reportedly reserved for public infrastructure.
In addition, it asked the authorities to ensure that no development proceeds until the potential risks to public safety, neighbouring properties and the environment have been properly assessed.
The organisation further urged the authorities to respect due process, ensure that affected parties have access to justice and take steps to protect essential public infrastructure.
It warned that demolition should not proceed while significant questions about the land’s designation, the safety implications of the proposed development and the applicable legal processes remain unresolved.
Amnesty International Nigeria said a temporary suspension would allow the outstanding issues to be addressed without risking irreversible damage to public infrastructure, neighbouring properties or the environment.
It urged the FCT Minister and relevant authorities to act lawfully and transparently, stressing that the protection of critical infrastructure, public safety and the environment should take precedence where these interests conflict with private development.
What You Should Know
Amnesty International has raised serious concerns regarding a planned demolition of Plot 5334 in Maitama, Abuja, arguing that the site houses critical underground stormwater and sewage systems designed to prevent severe flooding. The human rights organization warns that allowing private development on this infrastructure corridor could jeopardize neighboring structures, including its own national office, and increase flood risks for residents.
- Potential Concerns: Interfering with the designated utility corridor could compromise flood control systems, leading to severe environmental hazards and property damage across the district during heavy rains.
- Next Steps: The organization is pressing for a transparent legal and technical review, disclosure of land allocation records, and respect for ongoing dispute resolution processes before any irreversible demolition occurs.
