The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has converted a plot of land originally designated for a hospital in Wuye District into a private residential estate.
Plot 546, Cadastral Zone B03, measuring 3.171 hectares, sits opposite the Wuye Ultra-Modern Market and beside the Wuye Police Station. It has been fenced and construction is underway by Full Moon Estate Developers Ltd.
The project signboard shows approval was granted on March 5, 2026, with Engr. Ose Peter Afeanaje listed as site engineer.
Residents expressed disappointment over the development.
Ahmed Usman said: “Initially, when they started fencing the place, I thought the FCTA was coming in to begin the construction of our health centre. It was disheartening when I later saw a project signboard showing that it was going to be for the development of a private residential estate.”
Another resident, Okonkwo Ferdinand, described the action as insensitive. He called on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to revert the land to its original purpose.
Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, condemned the move.
“Land clearly marked for public use is now being handed over for private interest. This runs contrary to the principles guiding the Abuja Master Plan,” he said.
He described the development as “land corruption” and urged anti-corruption agencies to intervene.
Experts Warn Of Long-Term Impact
Town planning expert and former Abuja Metropolitan Management Council Coordinator, TPL Umar Shuaibu, said: “Now, that same land has been converted into a housing estate. This is not just a violation of the master plan; it is a violation of humanity. Health is life. Anyone tampering with a facility meant to safeguard lives is directly tampering with the survival of the people.”
He explained that the Abuja Master Plan requires each district to have hospitals of at least 120-bed capacity to serve populations of up to 80,000.
He warned that replacing such facilities with private housing deprives residents of essential healthcare.
Shuaibu added: “The estate being built is not for low-income residents. Meanwhile, there are already many unoccupied houses in Abuja. If housing is the priority, there are numerous other locations suitable for such developments.”
Acting Director of FCT Development Control, TPL Bashir Madaki Sanusi, confirmed the land was originally meant for a health centre.
He said his office approved the residential project after receiving a letter from the Urban and Regional Planning Department stating the plot had been re-designated.
Sanusi explained: “The land use of the place, originally, is a health centre, that is clear. About one or two months ago, we received a letter confirming that the plot had been converted to residential use. It was on the strength of that letter that I granted approval.”
He also stated that his department has since ordered a stop to work on site pending verification.
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