The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has apologised to its minister, Nyesom Wike, over the altercation between him and armed naval officers
Addressing journalists after Thursday’s FCT Executive Committee meeting, Senior FCTA officials expressed deep regret over the incident while firmly maintaining that the disputed property in Gaduwa District of FCT constituted illegal development.
They provided a detailed chronology of events, clarifying that the claimants linked to former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd) possessed no legal title to the land.
The Director of the Department of Development Control, Tpl. Mukhtar Galadima opened with a formal apology to the FCT Minister for the confrontation on Tuesday.
“It is with a sense of commitment, emotion and regret that we address this press conference on the incident that happened on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Gaduwa District,” Galadima stated.
He recounted that on October 17, staff on routine monitoring noticed an ongoing development within the corridor of the Southern Parkway, and when enquiring about the necessary approval status and documents, they were met by stiff resistance and a threat to shoot by men of the Nigerian Navy.
After diplomatic intervention, the officers presented what Galadima dismissed as inadequate documentation.
“What was eventually provided was merely a letter of intent issued in 2007 by the Department of Parks and Recreation, not a formal approval,” he explained.
In a direct exchange with the site officer, Galadima recalled stating: “I said, as a lawyer, there is a clear difference between submission and approval, and you know it is illegal to commence development in the Federal Capital Territory without approval. He said he is aware, but the solution is under process. I said, then this development is illegal.”
Galadima justified his decision to invite the Minister, citing safety concerns. “We noticed the impending danger because armed men were strategically positioned, ready to shoot. And seeing this, I sent a distress call to the Honourable Minister.
“I want to sincerely apologise to the Honourable Minister for dragging him into this situation. I apologise to the Honourable Minister, indeed to all Nigerians, for what happened.”
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