The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has apologized to Minister Nyesom Wike following a confrontation with naval officers regarding a disputed property in the Gaduwa District of Abuja. FCTA officials maintain that the development on the land is illegal, as the claimants, linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd), possess no legal title.

According to the Director of the Department of Development Control, Tpl Mukhtar Galadima, FCTA staff faced resistance and threats from naval officers when they inquired about the approval status of the construction. Galadima stated that the documentation provided was merely a letter of intent issued in 2007, not a formal approval. He also expressed regret to the Minister for the incident.

The Director of Lands Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, clarified that a letter of intent does not grant title to land in the FCT; only a statutory right of occupancy does. Nwankwoeze added that the claimants also failed to meet the condition of developing the site within one year.

Minister Wike has vowed to halt illegal constructions in Abuja, regardless of who is involved. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the city’s master plan and noted that the FCTA will not succumb to intimidation. Wike also remarked that in past disputes involving the military, the FCTA has always engaged the military hierarchy respectfully.