By Sarah NEGEDU
The Federal Capital Territory Administration on Wednesday, began a forceful reclamation of diplomatic land in Katampe Extension, following the discovery that plots reserved for foreign embassies had been taken over and developed by a private individual.
The land, said to be allocated in 2008 to more than ten missions for diplomatic residences, was recently encroached upon by a developer who allegedly began building an estate on the site without any permit from the Federal Capital Development Authority.
During an inspection tour of ongoing projects across the city, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said the administration could not ignore such an intrusion on protected plots, especially those designated for foreign governments.
The plots, located within the Katampe Diplomatic Zone, were originally set aside for missions including Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal and the Palestine Liberation Organization. A section was also reserved for the former Power Holding Company of Nigeria for a 132/133KV power station.
Wike, who noted that the development threatened the integrity of the diplomatic zone and violated Abuja’s masterplan said, “But why we’re here is to show the kind of activities taking place. This land here has been given to various embassies. You have the paper. Various embassies. You have Embassy of Palestine Liberation. You have Embassy of Somalia. You have Thailand. You have Austria. You have Serbia and Montenegro. You have Switzerland. You have Senegal. You have Syria. You have Japan. And you have Bulgaria. This land was allocated to the various embassies in 2008.
“Of course, our people will always believe that nothing will happen. Somebody just came here, took the land and started developing it on his own without approval from the FCDA. And, of course, the Department of Control has to come in to make sure that we can’t allow this.
“This land invasion must stop. This land is allocated to foreign embassies for them to have their residential areas. And it will be very unfortunate for us to, you know, fold our hands and then say, OK, your place is already developed. Who will allow that?”
The suspected developer behind the encroachment was identified as Alhaji Kabiru Sahara, who is alleged to have attempted to convert the diplomatic land into a private estate. Officials said he proceeded with construction despite lacking any layout approval, building plan, or development clearance from the FCDA.
Wike said he had directed the Department of Development Control to pull down all structures erected on the disputed plots and begin formally notifying the affected embassies to take possession of their land.
“So, I’ve taken a swift action. I’ve told them to bring down every building standing on this land. And we’re writing to the embassies to start taking over the land.”
The minister also confirmed that suspect had been arrested and would face prosecution once police complete their investigation.
“Of course, the man has been arrested. And he will be charged to court. Of course, the police are doing the investigation. He will be charged to court any moment from now.”
Wike had earlier inspected ongoing projects including the road works linking Wuse to the Central Area, upgrades near the Body of Benchers complex, the Tungan-Madaki road off the airport corridor, and improvement works around the city gate.
He assured that many of the projects would be completed ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
