FCT Minister orders arrest of developer, seizure of land after Abuja hotel collapse

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has directed the immediate arrest of the developer responsible for a multi-story hotel that collapsed last Friday in the Jikwoyi area of Abuja, ordering permanent seizure of the land where the structure stood.

During an on-the-spot assessment of the site on Monday, the minister revealed that the construction was entirely unauthorized and executed in defiance of regulatory authorities. He noted that the FCT Department of Development Control had previously flagged the site, but the developer ignored repeated stop-work notices.

“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,” Wike said during the site visit.

While the collapse resulted in injuries, there were no fatalities, and the victims are receiving medical attention. The minister warned that the incident could have been far more catastrophic.

Wike announced that the FCT Administration would reclaim the plot for public use and prosecute those responsible for the illegal construction. He added that the local community would be consulted to determine an appropriate public-purpose project for the site.

Highlighting the importance of regulatory compliance, the minister stressed that building approvals are critical to ensuring construction standards and material quality, preventing tragedies like this from recurring.

He further mandated relevant agencies to intensify enforcement across the territory, including the demolition of other unapproved structures.

“It is important that we act decisively. Where there is a clear violation, the law must take its course,” Wike said, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to safety and lawful construction practices.