The Nigerian Senate, on Thursday, directed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to immediately suspend all ongoing property demolitions in Abuja, citing concerns over irregularities and the hardships inflicted on affected residents.
This resolution emerged following a motion raised during plenary by Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP – FCT) and seconded by Senator Natasha Akpabio-Uduaghan (PDP – Kogi Central). The Senate also summoned Wike to appear before an ad hoc committee established to investigate the demolition activities.
Presiding over the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the formation of the committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau. The committee has been tasked with submitting its findings within two weeks.
While addressing the matter, Akpabio underscored the necessity of conducting thorough investigations before proceeding with any further demolitions. “The Senate urges the Federal Capital Development Authority to stop further demolitions of structures, except those ordered by courts of competent jurisdiction, until the ad hoc committee concludes its investigation and interfaces with the FCT administration within the next two weeks,” he stated.
The directive reflects the Senate's commitment to ensuring due process and safeguarding the rights of citizens amid urban development efforts in the Federal Capital Territory.
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