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Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has declared that poverty will not be accepted as a justification for illegal occupation, insisting that all shanty dwellers in Abuja will be evicted.
Speaking during a media parley on Monday in Abuja, Wike said that makeshift settlements are illegal, harm the city’s appearance, and often serve as hideouts for criminals involved in kidnapping, insecurity, and ‘one-chance’ activities.
Wike noted that sometimes these occupants take over road corridors where infrastructure is meant to pass and demand compensation when construction begins.
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He questioned who should be compensated, emphasising that criminals do not stay in easily accessible places but hide in hard-to-reach locations.
He added that all illegal occupants, wherever they are, will be evicted. Though unfortunate, this is necessary because security is paramount.
Wike stressed that any government unable to guarantee the safety of its citizens has no business being in office and warned against using poverty as an excuse for illegal occupation.
Wike reaffirmed the government’s commitment to removing all illegal occupants across the Federal Capital Territory, emphasising that security takes precedence over other concerns.
He stated that no pressure or opposition would stop the administration from reclaiming the city from unlawful settlers.
When asked about government efforts to assist residents living in shanties due to their inability to afford apartments in designated areas, Wike explained that it is not feasible for the Federal Government to provide housing for every Nigerian.
He insisted that poverty should not justify illegal occupation or criminal behaviour.
He highlighted that poverty cannot excuse actions such as killing, robbery, or kidnapping and noted that some individuals claim ownership of land or avoid developing their properties, which allows criminals to settle and cause problems for the city.
In March 2025, Wike ordered the demolition of houses within the right-of-way of a road construction project in Gishiri, the Katampe area of Abuja. Occupants were given a three-month grace period to evacuate to allow construction to proceed, but many ignored the warnings.
It would be recalled that in December 2024, Wike defended the demolition of properties within the capital, stating that attempts to intimidate or blackmail him would not succeed.
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He emphasised that the buildings targeted by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) were illegally built on government land.
At an event at the FCTA Secretariat in Abuja, where operational vehicles were handed over to security agencies, Wike addressed Nigerians and Abuja residents, saying his administration would not be deterred by threats or blackmail.
He acknowledged the prevalence of land grabbers and affirmed his determination to address the issue.
Wike concluded by stating that he would rather face any consequences, even if it meant “heaven falling, ”than relent in efforts to restore order and legality to the capital.
