“We’ll Continue Demolition of Shanties, Nobody Can Suppress Us” – Wike

In a decisive statement during a visit to the Ruga community near Wuye in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ongoing demolition of illegal shanties across Abuja. Wike emphasized that protests and public outcry would not deter the government from its objective to restore order and sanitation in the capital.

During his address, Wike announced plans to initiate dialogue with residents of shanty settlements in order to formulate a sustainable, lawful approach to housing. “We are willing to engage with the residents in these communities,” he said, noting that any agreements reached would be designed to prevent the re-establishment of unlawful settlements.

In response to a protest held Friday in which activists labeled the FCTA as “land grabbers,” Wike dismissed these accusations as “misplaced priorities,” reinforcing the administration’s focus on enforcing zoning laws and urban standards in the FCT.