Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and other relevant authorities to immediately suspend all planned demolition activities that could pave the way for the development of a green area protecting a critical public utility corridor in Cadastral Zone A06, Maitama, Abuja.
The organisation also called for an urgent review its allocation to Hammari Energy Limited for private real estate development.
In a statement, Amnesty International Nigeria said the corridor, designated as Plot 5334, reportedly accommodates underground stormwater and sewage drainage infrastructure constructed by Julius Berger Plc between 2012 and 2014 to address flooding risks in the area.
Amnesty International added that its development for private construction raises serious concerns about public safety, environmental protection, drainage infrastructure and the integrity of Abuja’s Master Plan.
“These concerns have repeatedly been brought to the attention of the authorities through administrative petitions. They are heightened by ongoing litigation seeking interlocutory injunctions to restrain development of Plot 5334 for private residential use and to protect its adjacent property pending determination of the substantive suit.”
“The application raises important questions about the land’s designation, its alleged function as a drainage corridor and the potential consequences of private development,” it said.
“The litigation is also taking place against the background of an alternative dispute resolution process before the FCT ADR Committee, which Amnesty International Nigeria understands is nearing completion,” it added
Despite the unresolved issues, Amnesty International Nigeria said the Director of Development Control issued a demolition notice dated October 9, 2026, reportedly targeting protective boundary structures along the corridor.
The organisation warned that proceeding with the demolition before the relevant issues have been properly examined could undermine due process, prejudice ongoing efforts to resolve the dispute and expose neighbouring properties and essential infrastructure to avoidable risks.
“The proposed development also raises serious concerns for neighbouring properties, including Amnesty International Nigeria’s National Office, residential premises and nearby national security facilities. Any interference with the drainage infrastructure could obstruct stormwater flows, increase flood risks and expose surrounding properties and communities to significant environmental hazards.”
Amnesty International Nigeria said it had written to Wike and the FCDA in May 2026, warning that construction on the corridor could threaten the structural stability of its building and nearby residences while exposing them to severe flooding.
It called for an independent technical assessment to establish the corridor’s drainage capacity and determine the potential consequences of construction for public infrastructure, neighbouring properties and the environment.
The organisation also called for the “review of the alleged allocation of Plot 5334 to Hammari Energy Limited and disclose the relevant allocation records, planning approvals, technical assessments, and legal basis for permitting private development on land reportedly reserved for critical public infrastructure.”
It further called on the FCT Minister, the FCDA and other relevant authorities to “commission an independent technical assessment of the corridor and its drainage infrastructure and ensure that no development proceeds until the risks to public safety, neighboring properties, and the environment have been properly evaluated.”
“Respect due process and the rule of law, ensure that all affected parties have access to justice and effective remedies, and take steps to protect and essential public infrastructure.”
