The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has demolished a near-completed residential estate in Abuja worth several billions of naira after declaring that the development was illegally constructed on land designated for diplomatic residences.

The demolition, carried out with heavy equipment, followed the agency’s determination that the project violated land-use regulations and the Abuja Master Plan.

Estate built on diplomatic land, FHA says

According to the FHA, the land was originally allocated for diplomatic purposes during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo when Nasir El-Rufai served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Authorities said the developers proceeded with construction despite receiving stop-work notices and queries, adding that the estate lacked the required approvals for the site.

The demolition forms part of the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s ongoing enforcement of development control regulations under FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Mixed reactions trail demolition

The action has generated widespread reactions, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the destruction of a project that was close to completion amid the country’s housing shortage.

Some questioned why construction was allowed to progress to such an advanced stage before enforcement action was taken, while others argued that strict compliance with planning regulations is necessary to preserve the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan.

Supporters of the demolition maintained that developments on land reserved for embassies and other public purposes cannot be allowed to stand, regardless of the level of investment.

Authorities are yet to disclose whether the developers will face further legal action or if compensation issues will arise.

NEWS FLASH!

Federal Housing Authority has demolished an estate investment worth billions of naira in Abuja.

It says the property was illegally built on land allocated to ambassadors. pic.twitter.com/zsJcvrkJNJ

— NTANetwork (@NTANewsNow) July 7, 2026