Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has stated that structures deemed illegal on land allocated to foreign embassies in Abuja will be demolished in accordance with government policy and regulations.
The FCT Administration oversees land management and development control within Nigeria’s capital city. Foreign embassies and diplomatic missions are allocated land for official use, which is governed by agreements and applicable laws.
Ministry officials regularly engage with diplomatic missions on land use and compliance issues.
Wike made the statement during an interview with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He said the government would address illegal structures encroaching on land allocated to embassies.
He said, “Any building that is illegal on any land, whether private or assigned to embassies, will be dealt with accordingly.”
The minister said all diplomatic missions operating in Abuja have been informed that land use must comply with existing regulations.
He said the FCT Administration will enforce applicable laws and policies in collaboration with relevant agencies.
Wike noted that some structures on embassy land had been identified as lacking necessary approvals or being inconsistent with designated land use. He said these structures will be subject to removal if they do not meet regulatory requirements.
He also stated that the FCT Administration would engage diplomatic missions to clarify land boundaries and legal obligations to ensure compliance with Nigerian laws.
The minister’s comments highlight the government’s intent to enforce land use regulations for all properties in Abuja, including those allocated to foreign missions.
This may involve collaboration between the FCT Administration and diplomatic representatives to resolve compliance issues.
Authorities may also review existing land records and approvals issued for structures on embassy land to determine compliance with zoning and land use statutes.
