The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike

Minister Justifies Action as Necessary for Urban Renewal

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the ongoing demolition of shanties and illegal structures in Abuja, insisting the exercise is part of a broader plan to restore order, ensure security, and give the city a facelift.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Wike dismissed criticisms that the demolition drive disproportionately affects the urban poor, stressing that no responsible government would allow illegal structures to thrive at the expense of public safety and city planning.

“Abuja is the capital of Nigeria. We cannot allow it to become a slum,” the minister declared. “We must enforce the Abuja Master Plan. People who build on flood plains, green areas, or road corridors put lives at risk, and government cannot fold its arms.”

Background to the Demolition

The demolition exercise, which began shortly after Wike assumed office in August 2023, has targeted areas such as Gwarinpa, Apo-Dutse, Guzape, Kado, and parts of Lugbe, where makeshift shanties, markets, and buildings were erected without approval.

Officials of the Department of Development Control (DDC) of the FCT Administration (FCTA) have led the operations, supported by security agencies to maintain order.

According to the FCTA, many of the demolished structures were either built on waterways, road setbacks, or green belts — violations that contravene the Abuja Master Plan designed by Japanese urban planner Kenzo Tange in the 1970s.

Humanitarian Concerns and Public Backlash

Despite the official justification, civil society groups and some residents have raised concerns about the humanitarian impact of the demolitions. They argue that many affected persons were low-income earners who settled in informal housing because of Abuja’s skyrocketing rent and land costs.

Some advocacy groups, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), have urged the government to balance urban renewal with social protection. They warn that abrupt demolitions without adequate resettlement plans may worsen poverty and homelessness in the capital.

Security and Environmental Justifications

Wike, however, insists the exercise is not merely about beautification but also about safety and security. He cited the proliferation of unregulated settlements as hideouts for criminal activities and a threat to environmental sustainability.

“When you leave shanties, you leave room for insecurity. These are places where criminals hibernate. We cannot sacrifice national security and urban order because people want to do things illegally,” he maintained.

The minister also linked the demolitions to Abuja’s recurrent flooding, which experts say is worsened by construction on flood-prone areas.

Expert Analysis

Urban planning experts say the government’s concerns are legitimate but must be balanced with inclusive policies. Dr. Nnenna Uzo, an urban development researcher at the University of Abuja, explained:

“The Master Plan of Abuja has been violated for decades. A reset is necessary, but what is missing is a comprehensive resettlement and affordable housing policy. Without this, demolitions will only shift problems rather than solve them.”

What Next?

The FCT Administration has announced plans to provide alternative housing through its Mass Housing Programme. However, critics note that such housing schemes often remain unaffordable for the very populations displaced by demolitions.