The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate arrest and seizure of a plot of land where a multi-storey hotel building collapsed last Friday in the Jikwoyi area of the nation’s capital. The minister, who conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the site on Monday, unequivocally stated that the structure was erected without the necessary approval from the FCT Department of Development Control. He emphasized that the collapse occurred because the developer repeatedly ignored “stop-work” notices issued by the Department.

Wike highlighted that despite the glaring lack of formal approval, the company proceeded with construction, a clear violation that ultimately led to the structural failure. He reiterated during his site visit that there was absolutely no approval for the construction of the building, stressing the FCT Administration's commitment to strict adherence to building regulations. The minister further disclosed that while no fatalities were recorded, several individuals sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital, noting that the outcome could have been far more severe.

Reports indicated that between six and seven persons were injured in the collapse, with 17 workers on site at the time. Specifically, the emergency department of the FCT reported that 17 workers were on the upper floor of the building when it gave way, leaving five of them injured, while a male worker at the ground level was initially trapped in the rubble but subsequently rescued. This incident underscored the critical importance of monitoring construction standards and ensuring the use of appropriate materials.

In response to the egregious violation, Minister Wike announced that the FCT Administration would take over the land for public use, adding that those responsible for the illegal construction would face prosecution in accordance with the law. He committed to consulting with the local community to determine a suitable public-purpose project to be built on the reclaimed land. Wike strongly emphasized the necessity for strict compliance with building regulations, stating that obtaining approval allows authorities to properly monitor construction standards and ensure the integrity of structures.

The minister directed relevant agencies to significantly strengthen enforcement measures, including the demolition of structures built without approval, with the aim of preventing future incidents of this nature. He reiterated the administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging all developers to meticulously adhere to laid-down procedures to avoid severe sanctions and ensure public safety.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has levied serious accusations against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, alleging that he extended land and cash incentives to senior officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in anticipation of upcoming elections. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP described these reports as deeply troubling, warning that such actions could severely weaken public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system and compromise its integrity.

The PDP cited specific claims involving INEC officials, including Mohammed Kudu Haruna, who was reportedly linked to an alleged land allocation. The party also demanded clarity on whether other top officials, including INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan, were beneficiaries of these alleged incentives. Questioning the fairness and ethical implications of such allocations, the PDP highlighted that other essential workers, such as healthcare professionals, teachers, and security personnel, had not received similar attention despite their critical roles in society.

Describing the situation as one that demanded an urgent and comprehensive explanation, the PDP urged INEC to promptly come forward and transparently address the grave allegations. The party warned that silence on this matter could further inflict significant damage upon the credibility of the electoral body and erode public confidence in the democratic process, underscoring the vital role of transparency and accountability in governance.