Amnesty International has raised concerns over an ongoing demolition exercise in Abuja, accusing the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) of clearing parts of a community following the allocation of a designated green area to a private property developer.
The international human rights organisation alleged that the demolition was being carried out under the authority of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Amnesty International questioned the decision to permit development on land reportedly containing important underground drainage facilities.
Amnesty International Raises Alarm Over Abuja Demolition
According to the organisation, bulldozers deployed by the FCDA were demolishing structures in the affected area despite concerns about the potential consequences for residents and existing public infrastructure.
Amnesty International identified the disputed location as Plot 5334, a corridor reportedly designated as a green area within the Federal Capital Territory.
The group claimed that the land had been allocated to Hammari Energy Limited for private real estate development.
It expressed concern that construction activities on the site could interfere with underground facilities designed to manage stormwater and sewage in the neighbourhood.
Disputed Abuja Land Contains Underground Drainage Infrastructure
Providing further details, Amnesty International stated that the affected land accommodates underground drainage systems constructed by Julius Berger Plc between 2012 and 2014.
The infrastructure was reportedly developed to address flooding challenges and improve the movement of stormwater and sewage within the area.
The organisation questioned the suitability of the land for private property development, given the public infrastructure said to be located beneath it.
Its concerns centred on the possible implications of construction activities for the drainage facilities and the surrounding community.
However, the supplied account does not establish whether the proposed development would damage the infrastructure or whether technical assessments were conducted before the reported allocation.
Rights Group Questions FCDA’s Demolition Exercise
Amnesty International criticised the demolition operation, alleging that officials were acting on instructions from the FCT administration.
The organisation described the exercise as a serious concern for the affected community and questioned the circumstances surrounding the allocation of the disputed green area.
It maintained that the presence of existing drainage facilities should be considered in decisions involving construction and land development.
The allegations have also brought attention to the management of designated green spaces and infrastructure corridors within Abuja.
Questions Remain Over Abuja Green Area Allocation
The controversy raises questions about land-use planning, protection of public infrastructure and the responsibilities of government agencies overseeing development within the Federal Capital Territory.
The account provided does not include responses from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the FCDA or Hammari Energy Limited regarding Amnesty International’s allegations.
It also does not establish the legal status of the land allocation or the extent of the demolition.
Further clarification from the relevant authorities would be necessary to determine the basis for the exercise and whether the proposed development complies with applicable planning requirements.
Emmanuel Bassey is a Financial Expert that has worked in the Banking and Finance Industry for over 15+ years across different banks in Nigeria
