The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate arrest of the developer behind the collapsed building in Jikwoyi, Abuja, and directed that the land be seized for public use.
Wike gave the directive during an on-the-spot assessment of the site on Tuesday, following the collapse of a multi-storey hotel building last Friday. He disclosed that the structure was erected without approval from the FCT Department of Development Control.
According to the minister, the developer ignored multiple stop-work notices issued by authorities and continued construction in clear violation of building regulations.
“There was no approval for the construction of this building. Development Control issued stop-work notices, but they were disregarded,” Wike said.
He confirmed that although no lives were lost, several persons sustained injuries and were taken to hospital, noting that the incident could have resulted in a major tragedy.
The minister announced that the Federal Capital Territory Administration would take over the land and repurpose it for public use, adding that those responsible for the illegal construction would be prosecuted in line with existing laws.
Wike said the affected community would be consulted to determine a suitable project for the site, stressing the importance of public interest in the redevelopment plan.
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He warned developers to strictly comply with building regulations, noting that approval processes are critical for monitoring construction standards and ensuring the use of safe materials.
The minister also directed relevant agencies to intensify enforcement, including the demolition of illegal structures, to prevent future incidents.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, insisting that violations of building laws would no longer be tolerated in the nation’s capital.
