The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday assured residents that the FCT Administration (FCTA) is taking all necessary measures to protect them amid ongoing disputes surrounding Rivers Park Estate in Lugbe.
Speaking during his monthly press briefing in Abuja, Wike emphasised that the administration would not succumb to blackmail while pursuing its mandate.
“What is happening at Rivers Park Estate, Lugbe? Is the FCT doing everything possible to protect residents? One of the issues we faced previously was land allocation,” Wike explained. “Sometimes lands were taken for parks and gardens for over 15 years, and then applications came in for conversion or comprehensive development. We said, ‘No, this is not acceptable, and we cannot allow that.’”
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He added: “The ministry decided to control the situation. There is no business between the FCT and Rivers Park. People are carrying out blackmail, but we will not be distracted by such actions. The FCTA is being transformed, and the people appreciate what we are doing.”
Rivers Park Estate, located in Lugbe, has been at the centre of disputes over land use and allocation. Residents and developers have raised concerns about the conversion of land originally earmarked for parks and public amenities into commercial or residential projects.
The FCTA, under Wike’s leadership, has intensified efforts to enforce land-use regulations and prevent unauthorised development.
Authorities have stressed that land allocated for public use, including parks and gardens, cannot be arbitrarily converted without proper approvals.
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Over the years, the FCTA has faced challenges with enforcement due to long-standing land agreements and overlapping claims by private developers, ministries, and residents.
The Rivers Park Estate dispute highlights the administration’s push to balance urban development with the protection of residents’ interests and public spaces.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
