The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the arrest of the owner of a multi-story hotel that collapsed in Jikwoyi, and announced that the land will be taken over for public use.
Wike made the announcement after visiting the site on Tuesday to assess the incident, which occurred on Friday around 11 a.m. while construction workers were on site. The collapse triggered emergency response efforts by relevant authorities.
According to the minister, the building had no official approval from the FCT Department of Development Control. He stated that despite multiple stop-work notices issued to the developer, construction continued in violation of regulations, ultimately leading to the structural failure.
He confirmed that although no fatalities were recorded, several individuals sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital. Wike noted that the situation could have been far more severe.
He further disclosed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration will seize the land and repurpose it for public use. He added that the individuals responsible for the illegal construction will face prosecution under the law, and consultations will be held with the local community to determine an appropriate project for the site.
Wike emphasized the importance of compliance with building regulations, explaining that proper approvals allow authorities to monitor construction standards and ensure the use of quality materials. He also directed relevant agencies to strengthen enforcement measures, including demolition of unauthorized structures, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, warning that violations of building laws will not be tolerated.
