Amnesty International Calls for Halt to Demolitions in Abuja’s Maitama Area

Amnesty International Nigeria is asking Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to stop all planned demolitions in the Maitama area of Abuja. The organization is concerned about the impact of these demolitions on a public utility corridor that is crucial for stormwater and sewage drainage.

The corridor, known as Plot 5334, contains important infrastructure built by Julius Berger Plc to help prevent flooding. Amnesty International believes that allowing private real estate development in this area could jeopardize public safety and environmental protection.

According to Amnesty International, there are ongoing legal disputes regarding the use of this land. They have pointed out that a demolition notice was issued on October 9, 2026, targeting protective structures along the corridor. The organization fears that proceeding with these demolitions could lead to serious risks for nearby properties and essential infrastructure.

Amnesty International has previously warned that construction in this area could disrupt drainage systems, leading to increased flooding risks. They are calling for an independent assessment of the corridor to understand its drainage capacity and the potential dangers of any development.

The organization has urged Wike and other authorities to suspend all demolition activities until a thorough legal and technical review is completed. They stress the importance of protecting public infrastructure and ensuring that any decisions made are in the public interest.

Amnesty International is also asking for transparency regarding the allocation of Plot 5334 and for the relevant records to be made public. They believe that the safety of the community and the environment must come before private development interests.