The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has directed the arrest of the owner of a building that collapsed in the Jikwoyi area of Abuja, as well as the immediate seizure of the land where the structure stood.
The incident, which occurred on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, prompted an on-the-spot assessment by the Minister on Tuesday, April 7. Speaking to journalists at the scene, Wike disclosed that the developer had commenced construction of a two-storey building intended for use as a hotel without securing the necessary approvals.
According to him, officials of the FCT Development Control Department had earlier issued stop-work notices to the developer, which were disregarded.
“Despite the lack of formal approval, the company proceeded with construction, leading to the eventual structural failure. There was no approval for the construction of this building. Development Control had issued stop-work notices, but the company ignored them and continued regardless,” the Minister said.
Wike expressed concern over what he described as a growing culture of non-compliance with building regulations, warning that the administration would not hesitate to enforce the law.
“We are trying to make sure that for anybody that doesn’t have approval, we are going to bring the building down. For me, thank God no life was lost, but the owner will be arrested and prosecuted,” he added.
The Minister further revealed that the reclaimed land would not be returned to private use. Instead, the government would engage the local community to determine a suitable public-purpose project for the site.
He emphasized that adherence to building regulations is critical, noting that obtaining official approval allows authorities to monitor construction processes and ensure that standard materials are used.
Wike also directed relevant agencies within the Federal Capital Territory Administration to intensify enforcement efforts, including the demolition of illegal structures, to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“I have always said this: go to Development Control to get approval. Let them know what you are building, the quality of materials, and they will supervise it from one stage to another. Anywhere you see a building going on without approval, report it to the government, and we shall prosecute offenders,” he stated.
The Minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging developers to strictly comply with laid-down procedures to avoid sanctions.