By Deborah Nnamdi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate arrest of the owner of a collapsed building in Jikwoyi, Abuja, and directed that the land be taken over by the government for public use.
Wike issued the directive on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the site where a multi-storey hotel building caved in last Friday.
According to the minister, the structure was erected without approval from the FCT Department of Development Control, despite repeated warnings to halt construction.
“There was no approval for the construction of this building,” he said, adding that officials had issued stop-work notices which were ignored by the developer.
He described the collapse as avoidable, attributing it to the developer’s failure to comply with regulatory directives.
Although no lives were lost in the incident, Wike confirmed that several persons sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital, warning that the situation could have been far worse.
The minister further announced that the FCT Administration would seize the plot of land and repurpose it for public use, noting that consultations would be held with the host community to determine a suitable project for the site.
“It is important that we act decisively. Where there is a clear violation, the law must take its course,” he stated.
Wike also said those responsible for the illegal construction would face prosecution in accordance with existing laws.
He directed relevant agencies to intensify enforcement efforts, including the demolition of structures built without approval, to prevent similar incidents.
Emphasising the importance of due process, the minister warned developers to strictly adhere to building regulations, noting that proper approvals enable authorities to monitor construction standards and ensure the use of safe materials.
He reiterated that the administration remains committed to protecting lives and property, stressing that unregulated construction poses significant risks to public safety.
