Urban Development Taskforce Demolishes Unauthorized Constructions At River Park Estate

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Ministerial Task Force has suspended ongoing construction activities at the disputed River Park Estate in Lugbe, Abuja, and detained several workers for allegedly violating an existing court order.

An Abuja High Court had previously instructed parties involved in the estate dispute to maintain the status quo while ownership and development rights are being resolved.

On Wednesday, task force officials, in collaboration with security agencies, visited the estate to ensure compliance. Workers found on site were reportedly taken into custody for disregarding the court-mandated stop-work directive.

In addition, the FCT Administration demolished more than 30 substructures, citing breaches of planning regulations. Authorities noted that certain developers continued construction despite the withdrawal of their lease agreements and a ministerial committee’s recommendation that undeveloped plots be reverted to the FCTA.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, inaugurated an ad-hoc committee on August 8, 2025, to address issues surrounding the estate. Chaired by lawyer Salman Dako, the committee recently submitted a report recommending the revocation of undeveloped plots that had either expired or violated the Development Lease Agreement (DLA). The committee emphasized that holders of valid customary titles who developed their plots in accordance with regulations would retain their rights, consistent with court rulings.

Leading the enforcement operation, Director of Development Control Mukhtar Galadima stated that the demolitions were necessary after intelligence indicated that some developers were attempting to rush construction in defiance of directives.

“About a week ago, a committee on River Park Estate recommended that all undeveloped plots be reverted to the FCTA. We received reports that certain developers were working day and night to develop these plots. Notices to stop work were issued, but this morning we found construction still ongoing. Consequently, we removed the structures and excavated the foundations,” Galadima said.

He confirmed that over 30 foundations had been dug and added that they would be covered to prevent further development. “Anything we see on site is removed. Fortunately, most are only at excavation level, but any new development will also be dismantled,” he warned.

Reports indicate that, despite the stop-work order, construction continued in parts of the estate, including the Sector Center and Cluster 3.