The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate arrest of the developer behind a collapsed multi-storey building in Abuja and directed that the land be confiscated by the government.
The structure, reportedly under construction as a hotel, caved in last Friday in the Jikwoyi area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike, who conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the site on Monday, said the building was erected without approval from the FCT Department of Development Control, describing the development as illegal and reckless.
According to the minister, the developer ignored multiple stop-work notices issued by regulatory authorities and proceeded with construction, ultimately leading to the collapse.
“There was no approval for the construction of this building. Despite repeated warnings, the developer continued work, resulting in this unfortunate incident,” Wike said.
He disclosed that although no lives were lost, several workers sustained injuries, warning that the outcome could have been far more tragic.
The minister further announced that the FCT Administration would take over the land for public use, noting that the community would be consulted on the type of project to be sited on it.
Wike added that those responsible for the illegal construction would be prosecuted in line with existing laws, stressing that the administration would not tolerate violations of building regulations.
He emphasised that obtaining proper approval enables authorities to monitor construction standards and ensure compliance with safety requirements, including the use of quality materials.
The minister also directed relevant agencies to intensify enforcement, including the demolition of structures built without approval, to prevent future occurrences.
Findings showed that no fewer than 17 workers were on site at the time of the incident, with at least six sustaining injuries.
Officials of the FCT Emergency Management Department said five workers on the upper floor were injured when the building gave way, while another worker at the ground level was initially trapped in the rubble but was later rescued.
The incident has again raised concerns over the persistent disregard for building regulations in the nation’s capital, amid recurring cases of structural failures linked to substandard construction practices.
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